Fibrogastroscopy or FGS - this term causes most patients of the gastroenterology cabinet to wrinkle. But doctors are sure that the experience with the procedure is greatly exaggerated, as today it is conducted with minimal discomfort.
The value of the method is very large - thanks to it you can examine the hollow organs of the digestive tract from the inside, which is not available to many other examinations.
Types of FGS
FGS is a modern endoscopic method that allows to survey the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract:
- of the esophagus;
- of the stomach;
- of the duodenum.
The method can also be referred to as EHDS - esophagogastroduodenoscopy, when the upper part of the duodenum is examined together with the esophagus and stomach.
The procedure is carried out in the following ways:
- Using local anesthesia. The oral cavity is treated with a local anesthetic to reduce unpleasant sensations( most often lidocaine).
- Under general anesthesia. An intravenous anesthetic is administered, and the patient sleeps for a few minutes, feeling nothing.
- Transnazalno. The endoscope is inserted through the nose, while the root of the tongue is not irritated, there is no vomiting reflex, and a person can even talk.
- Capsular method. The most modern way of carrying out the procedure with the help of a miniature capsule with a video camera and a radio transmitter. The patient swallows the capsule, and the signal is fed to the receiver, fixed on the body.
Indications
The doctor prescribes an endoscopic examination if the patient has complaints about:
- heartburn;
- abdominal pain;
- belching;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- bitterness in the mouth.
This examination is necessary for detecting the inflammatory process in the stomach, as well as diagnosing:
- gastritis;
- of duodenitis;
- stomach ulcers;
- erosion of the mucosa;
- polyps.
FGS can be prescribed as an additional study to clarify the diagnosis in many other diseases, for example, allergies or neurosis. Also, fibrogastroscopy is the leading method that allows you to recognize the cancer of the stomach at an early stage.
When suspected of functional impairment, or damage located deeper than the mucosa, doctors may prescribe additional examinations, such as a fluoroscopy of the stomach.
Contraindications and possible complications of
The FGS has a number of contraindications:
- severe somatic diseases( cardiac, pulmonary);
- bleeding disorders;
- hepatic disease.
The risk group includes elderly patients and those who undergo emergency manipulation.
After the procedure, there may be some time unpleasant sensations in the mouth and throat. Also possible complications are the perforation of the walls of the organ under investigation, or the occurrence of bleeding during biopsy, or removal of the polyp.
Correct preparation of the patient for the fibrogastroscopy of the stomach
The main condition for the procedure - the stomach should be absolutely empty. When there are even remnants of food in it, the doctor may not see any small sore hidden by food.
How is the procedure performed?
The study takes up to 5 minutes, if it's just an inspection. If any therapeutic actions are supposed, then the time increases slightly.
The device is a flexible probe, which has a light bulb on one side, and a camera on the other, and everything is visible on the monitor screen. It is also equipped with a tunnel for passage of forceps during a biopsy.
During the procedure, the patient lies on the left side on the couch, holding in his mouth a plastic mouthpiece, through which a tube is inserted. There is no pain, but a little unpleasant, as a vomitive reflex is caused. But if the person is right, breathes normally,( the doctor explains how to do it), then the procedure goes smoothly.
In order to investigate more in detail the mucosa, hidden in the folds, the stomach is filled with air to straighten it.
Looking at the screen, the doctor can see the image first from the esophagus, then from the stomach and duodenum, and determine the diagnostic picture of the disease. You can take food and drink in half an hour after the procedure.
Decoding of the results
A detailed image transmitted to the computer monitor of the video, or the endoscope camera is fixed, and can be printed out if necessary.
Results seen with fibrogastroscopy:
| Mucous | Changes |
|---|---|
| Healthy | - color from pinkish to pinkish red; - the wall is lined with a shiny mucous tissue with a small layer of mucus; - folds with no visible changes, clearly marked. |
| Gastritis | - spotting hemorrhages on the mucosa with a lot of mucus; - swelling of the folds, hyperemia and swelling are noticeable. |
| Peptic ulcer | - visible erosions, or the exposed section of the mucous bright red color, which can bleed; - there may be pus or a partially healed wound. |
| Cancer | - mucous gray-white color; - folds less pronounced; - the area of the neoplasm is clearly visible. |
The biopsy taken during the examination is sent for histological examination, and the treatment is appointed based on its results.
How much is it?
The cost of the procedure depends on the method of conducting and the accompanying manipulations.
Currently in Moscow the lowest price is fixed in the Medical Center on the street. Timur Frunze( 1200 rubles.), The highest - in the European MC on the street. Schepkina( from 23,500 to 31,400 rubles.)
Reviews
Marina K. 42 years:
I have passed FGS 3 times already. The first time I went to the doctor, when my stomach started to ache from any food I had eaten. Have appointed or nominated a gastroscopy. Afraid at once terribly, but I'll be honest, there's nothing terrible. It is unpleasant only when the tube begins to pass. And the procedure took literally 2 minutes. And it's good that I turned in time, because the doctor found erosion. Now every year I go through a survey, got used to the procedure, and everything goes smoothly.
Vitaliy V. 53 years:
There was a constant heartburn, doctors began to suspect reflux. When the FGS was appointed, I did not even want to go, because I heard different stories about the tube hurting my stomach. But in fact everything went quickly and did not cause any special troubles. Only then three days in the throat seemed to stand. But I advise everyone at least once in 2 years to undergo a survey if there are problems. At me reflux have not confirmed, but have found out a gastritis which with success now I fly.
Video about fibrogastroscopy: