Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)

Procedure Overview

Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center is a high-definition optical diagnostic procedure performed within our Digestive Health Screening & Gastroenterology center to directly inspect the mucosal lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Using Olympus high-definition video endoscopes operated by board-certified gastroenterologists within our clinical team of 16 board-certified specialists, the examination enables early detection of gastritis, reflux esophagitis, peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, and early gastric neoplasms. View our gastroenterology faculty in the Medical Staff Directory.

Clinical Indications

• Routine preventive screening for early gastric and esophageal lesions
• Evaluation of persistent upper abdominal pain, indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, or difficulty swallowing
• Investigation of unexplained iron-deficiency anemia or upper gastrointestinal bleeding
• Follow-up surveillance of gastric polyps, intestinal metaplasia, atrophic gastritis, or healed peptic ulcers, often scheduled together with Colonoscopy

Clinical Examination Summary Table

Parameter / Examination	Clinical Purpose	Preparation / Protocol
Olympus High-Definition Esophagogastroduodenoscopy	Direct optical inspection of esophageal, gastric, and duodenal mucosa	Strict fasting from food and liquids for at least 8 hours prior to exam
Targeted Endoscopic Biopsy & H. pylori Test	Histopathological evaluation of suspicious mucosal lesions and H. pylori status	Pre-procedure review of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications
Conscious Sedation Protocol (Optional)	Minimizes gag reflex and discomfort under continuous pulse oximetry monitoring	Dedicated recovery room observation; no driving for the remainder of the day

How the Screening Works

1. Pre-Procedure Preparation: Administration of an oral mucosal defoaming solution and topical pharyngeal anesthetic spray; intravenous access is placed if conscious sedation is selected.
2. High-Definition Mucosal Inspection: The slender video endoscope is gently guided through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum while high-resolution images are captured and tissue biopsies are taken if clinically indicated.
3. Recovery & Specialist Review: After resting in the recovery lounge, patients review their endoscopic images with the specialist and arrange follow-up via our Consultation & Inquiry Desk.

Preparation & Precautions

• Fast completely from all solid food, water, milk, and beverages for at least 8 hours prior to the examination (typically from 21:00 the evening before).
• Inform the medical team in advance if you take aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, or direct oral anticoagulants, as holding these medications may be necessary prior to endoscopic biopsy.
• If conscious sedation is administered, do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery on the day of the procedure; temporary throat mild soreness or abdominal bloating from insufflated air may occur briefly after the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between unsedated and conscious sedation gastroscopy?

Both unsedated and conscious sedation gastroscopy use the same Olympus high-definition endoscope and topical throat anesthesia. Conscious sedation adds a short-acting intravenous sedative under continuous oxygen and vital-sign monitoring to reduce the gag reflex and anxiety, requiring brief post-procedure recovery rest and refraining from driving that day.

When is a tissue biopsy performed during an upper endoscopy?

If the gastroenterologist observes localized mucosal inflammation, erosion, ulceration, polyps, or suspected Helicobacter pylori gastritis during the examination, a tiny tissue sample is collected through the endoscope channel using sterile forceps for microscopic histopathological confirmation.