A gastroscopy is a medical test that allows doctors to see inside the upper part of your digestive system. It includes your food pipe, stomach, and the start of your small intestine. Doctors use a thin tube with a camera, which they pass through your mouth into your stomach.
This test helps doctors find the cause of symptoms such as long-term indigestion, pain in the upper stomach, nausea, or problems with swallowing. A gastroscopy test can also detect bleeding, ulcers, or abnormal growths.
Doctors may also take small samples of tissue, called biopsies, during the test. These help check for infections or other conditions. In Pakistan, especially in Lahore, this test is common because infections like H. pylori and conditions like gastritis are seen very often.
What Do the Results Mean?
Normal Results
A normal result means the doctor saw no problems in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. The lining looked smooth and healthy. No ulcers, bleeding, or inflammation were found. This means the upper part of your digestive system is not likely to be the cause of your symptoms.
Abnormal Results
If the result is not normal, it means something was seen during the test that should not be there. This could include ulcers, redness, swelling, growths, or infection. These findings help the doctor plan your treatment.
Common Gastroscopy Findings
1. Stomach Ulcers
Ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or the top part of the small intestine. They look like small holes or breaks in the tissue. These are often caused by H. pylori infection or frequent use of painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
In Pakistan, more than half the population is infected with H. pylori. Ulcers can be painful, but they are treatable. Your doctor will likely prescribe medicine to lower stomach acid and antibiotics if an infection is present. Most ulcers heal in six to eight weeks. You may need a follow-up gastroscopy to check if the ulcer is gone.
2. Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes red and swollen. It can cause pain, nausea, or a heavy feeling in the stomach. The most common cause is H. pylori. Painkillers, alcohol, and stress can also contribute.
If your test shows gastritis, your doctor may test for H. pylori. If the bacteria are present, treatment will include antibiotics and acid-reducing drugs. You will also be told to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and painkillers that may harm the stomach lining.
3. H. pylori Infection
You may not see “H. pylori” written in the main part of your test report. This is because it is confirmed through a biopsy. Still, this infection is one of the most common findings linked to ulcers and gastritis.
If the result is positive, your doctor will start treatment with antibiotics and medicines that reduce acid. After treatment, another test may be done to make sure the infection is gone. Treating H. pylori helps reduce the risk of future ulcers and stomach issues.
4. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is when the esophagus becomes inflamed. This often happens because of acid reflux. During a gastroscopy, the doctor may see red or damaged tissue in the lower part of the esophagus.
Common symptoms include heartburn, a bitter taste in the mouth, and pain when swallowing. Treatment includes acid-reducing medicine and changes in eating habits. These include avoiding big meals, spicy food, and lying down after eating.
5. Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the lining of the lower food pipe changes because of long-term acid reflux. It does not cause symptoms, but it increases the chance of developing cancer over time.
A biopsy diagnoses this condition. If you have it, your doctor will recommend acid control and regular follow-up gastroscopy tests. If any more serious changes are seen, other treatments may be advised.
Other Possible Findings
Hiatal Hernia
This is when a part of the stomach moves up into the chest. It is often found during tests for reflux symptoms. Small hernias may not need treatment. If symptoms are strong, acid-blocking medicine and diet changes can help.
Polyps or Growths
A gastroscopy may show polyps or unusual tissue growths. These are usually non-cancerous but are often removed or tested. If something serious is suspected, more tests or treatment may follow.
Celiac Disease Signs
Sometimes the doctor checks for symptoms of celiac disease by taking small tissue samples. If confirmed, the treatment is a gluten-free diet. This is mostly done when symptoms include anemia or a vitamin deficiency.
Getting Your Results and Next Steps
After the test, your doctor may speak to you about what was seen. Because sedation can make you feel sleepy, you should have someone with you who can remember what was said. You will also get a printed report.
If no biopsies were taken, your results will be ready on the same day. If tissue samples were collected, you may need to wait one or two weeks. Most labs in Lahore provide results within seven days.
Your doctor will call or schedule a visit to explain the findings. Treatment will begin immediately if you have gastritis, ulcers, or an infection. If a condition like Barrett’s esophagus is found, your doctor may plan to repeat tests in the future.
Gastroscopy Complications
Gastroscopy complications are rare but possible. These may include sore throat, bloating, mild pain, or slight bleeding if a biopsy was taken. In rare cases, more serious issues can happen, such as a tear in the digestive tract. These are uncommon, especially when a well-trained gastroenterologist does the test.
Gastroscopy Cost in Lahore
The gastroscopy cost in Lahore depends on the clinic, sedation use, and whether biopsies are done. On average, it ranges from PKR 10,000 to PKR 20,000. Always ask the clinic for the full cost before the test. Getting tested by the best gastroenterologist in Lahore ensures a safer procedure and better understanding of your results. You will also be guided on the right treatment.
Understand Your Gastroscopy Results: Book a Consultation Now
A gastroscopy test helps doctors understand what is happening inside your stomach and food pipe. If your results are normal, it can bring peace of mind. If there is a problem, your doctor will explain what to do next.
Getting care from the best gastroenterologist in Lahore helps you receive the right advice. If you have any stomach problems or need help with your test results, book a consultation with a trusted gastroenterology specialist.
FAQs
1. What does a normal gastroscopy show?
It shows that your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine look healthy with no problems.
2. How long do biopsy results take?
It can take five to fourteen days, depending on the lab and the test.
3. Can gastroscopy detect cancer?
Yes. It can find growths or tissue changes. A biopsy is needed to confirm if it is cancer.
4. What is the treatment for H. pylori infection?
Doctors prescribe two types of antibiotics and acid-blocking medicine for two weeks.
5. Will I need a repeat gastroscopy?
Yes. If you had ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, or polyps, a repeat test may be planned.
6. Can I go home the same day after a gastroscopy?
Yes. You can go home after a short rest unless your doctor advises otherwise.
