Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS), also known as gastroscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a modern and highly informative method of endoscopic examination of the upper digestive tract. Using a flexible video endoscope, the doctor can examine in detail the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, detect inflammatory changes, erosions, ulcers, polyps, sources of bleeding, and other pathological processes.
At the Ala Atlantis Medical Center, FGDS in Dnipro is performed using modern video endoscopy equipment. If necessary, the examination is performed under sedation, allowing the patient to remain in a medically induced sleep and experience no pronounced discomfort during the procedure. After each examination, the endoscopic equipment undergoes machine processing in accordance with established infection-control requirements.
FGDS not only makes it possible to visually assess the condition of the digestive organs, but, when necessary, also to perform additional diagnostic procedures: take material for a biopsy, test for Helicobacter pylori, and perform other procedures for medical indications.
What is fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS)
Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is an endoscopic examination during which a doctor uses a special flexible device to examine the inner surface of the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract.
The endoscope is equipped with a video camera and a light source. The image is transmitted to a monitor, allowing the specialist to assess the condition of the mucous membrane in detail.
During FGDS, the doctor examines the following in sequence:
esophagus;
junction of the esophagus and stomach;
stomach;
pyloric part of the stomach;
duodenum.
The examination makes it possible to detect even small changes that cannot be identified solely from the patient's complaints or the results of standard tests.
Unlike some non-invasive diagnostic methods, FGDS allows the doctor to directly see the mucous membrane and, when necessary, immediately take a tissue sample for further laboratory examination.
Why is FGDS needed
FGDS is used both to diagnose existing diseases and to clarify the causes of symptoms that bother the patient.
The examination may be prescribed for:
pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen;
constant or intermittent heartburn;
nausea;
vomiting;
belching;
a feeling of heaviness after eating;
difficulty swallowing;
a sensation of a foreign body or a “lump” when swallowing;
decreased appetite;
unexplained weight loss;
signs of gastrointestinal bleeding;
anemia of unclear origin.
Gastroscopy may also be required to monitor an already diagnosed disease and assess treatment results.
Which organs can be examined with FGDS
The main advantage of FGDS is the ability to examine several sections of the digestive system at the same time.
Esophagus
The doctor assesses the condition of the esophageal mucosa and can identify signs of inflammation, mucosal damage, reflux esophagitis, erosions, ulcerative changes, and other abnormalities.
Stomach
During the examination, all main parts of the stomach are assessed, including the condition of the mucosa and the presence of inflammation, erosions, ulcers, polyps, neoplasms, and other changes.
Duodenum
The examination makes it possible to inspect the initial section of the small intestine and detect inflammatory processes, ulcerative defects, and other pathological changes.
Advantages of FGDS at Ala Atlantis
FGDS in Dnipro at the Ala Atlantis Medical Center is performed with particular attention to the informativeness of the examination, patient safety, and comfort.
Main advantages:
modern video endoscopy equipment;
the possibility of performing the procedure under sedation;
monitoring the patient during medically induced sleep;
machine processing of endoscopic equipment;
the possibility of performing a biopsy;
the possibility of testing for Helicobacter pylori;
detailed visual assessment of the mucous membrane;
provision of examination results;
an individual approach to each patient;
the possibility of a comprehensive examination of the digestive system.
Sedation is especially relevant for patients who experience pronounced fear of endoscopic examination, have an increased gag reflex, or have previously experienced unpleasant sensations during gastroscopy.
Indications for FGDS
A referral for FGDS may be issued by a gastroenterologist, therapist, or another doctor if the patient has relevant symptoms or needs disease monitoring.
The main indications are:
chronic or recurrent stomach pain;
heartburn;
acid belching;
nausea;
intermittent vomiting;
difficulty swallowing;
pain after eating;
a feeling of stomach fullness;
unexplained weight loss;
decreased appetite;
anemia;
suspected peptic ulcer disease;
suspected gastritis;
suspected reflux disease;
suspected polyps or other formations;
gastrointestinal bleeding;
monitoring the condition after treatment.
FGDS may also be performed when risk factors for diseases of the stomach and esophagus are present, especially if similar diseases have occurred in close relatives.
Symptoms for which gastroscopy is recommended
Stomach disease is not always accompanied by severe pain. Some pathological processes can remain almost asymptomatic for a long time.
Attention should be paid to regular heartburn, discomfort after eating, frequent nausea, belching, or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
It is especially important to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as the following appear:
black or tarry stool;
vomiting with blood;
sudden weight loss without a change in diet;
persistent pain in the upper abdomen;
progressive difficulty swallowing;
pronounced weakness associated with anemia.
With such symptoms, examination should not be postponed, as they may be associated not only with relatively mild stomach diseases but also with conditions requiring urgent medical attention.
Contraindications to the examination
The need for FGDS and the possibility of performing the procedure are assessed individually by the doctor.
Before the examination, the specialist should be informed about:
the presence of chronic diseases;
allergic reactions;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
diseases of the respiratory system;
blood clotting disorders;
pregnancy;
medications being taken;
previous reactions to medications used for sedation or anesthesia.
If FGDS with sedation is planned, the doctor additionally assesses the patient's general condition and the possible risks of medically induced sleep.
Preparation for FGDS
Proper preparation is necessary so that the doctor can thoroughly examine the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
In most cases, the following rules are recommended:
the last meal should be 8–10 hours before the examination;
fasting should be observed before the procedure;
the regimen for taking regular medications should not be changed independently;
the doctor should be informed in advance about medications being taken;
the specialist should be informed about allergies and chronic diseases.
If the patient takes medications that affect blood clotting, the decision about temporarily discontinuing them or changing the regimen is made only with a doctor.
The patient receives exact preparation recommendations when scheduling the examination.
What can and cannot be done before gastroscopy
The main requirement before FGDS is an empty stomach.
If there is food in the stomach, the doctor will not be able to fully assess the mucous membrane, and the examination itself may be less informative.
Before the procedure, it is not recommended to:
eat;
consume alcohol;
smoke immediately before the examination;
take medications independently without approval;
violate the recommended fasting period.
If the patient has been scheduled for FGDS with sedation, the preparation requirements may be stricter. All recommendations should be clarified with the medical staff in advance.
How FGDS with sedation is performed
At the Ala Atlantis Medical Center, the patient first undergoes an assessment of their condition and receives the necessary recommendations.
The procedure includes several stages:
Registration and preparation of the patient for the examination.
Examination and assessment of the condition before the procedure.
If necessary — administration of sedation.
Insertion of the flexible endoscope and sequential examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
If necessary — collection of material for a biopsy.
Additional diagnostic tests as medically indicated.
Completion of the examination.
Observation of the patient after sedation until recovery.
Provision of the results and the doctor's recommendations.
The endoscopic part itself usually takes about 10–20 minutes, but the total time spent at the medical center may be longer, especially if sedation is used.
Biopsy during FGDS
During gastroscopy, the doctor may find an area of the mucous membrane that requires more detailed examination.
In such a case, a biopsy is performed — a small tissue sample is taken using a special instrument.
The material may be sent for laboratory examination to determine the nature of the changes.
It is important to understand that the need for a biopsy itself does not mean that an oncological disease is present. A biopsy is a standard diagnostic method that helps the doctor obtain more accurate information about the condition of the tissues.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that may be associated with the development of inflammatory diseases of the stomach and peptic ulcer disease.
During FGDS, the doctor may test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori using material obtained during the examination.
Detection of the infection is important for choosing further treatment tactics. If the result is positive, the doctor may prescribe appropriate therapy and determine whether subsequent monitoring is necessary.
What diseases can FGDS detect
Fibrogastroduodenoscopy helps detect a wide range of diseases of the upper digestive tract.
The examination may reveal:
acute and chronic gastritis;
erosive lesions of the mucous membrane;
gastric ulcer disease;
duodenal ulcer disease;
esophagitis;
reflux esophagitis;
gastroesophageal reflux disease;
polyps;
various changes in the mucous membrane;
sources of bleeding;
some neoplasms;
consequences of long-term use of certain medications.
Early diagnosis allows the doctor to determine further examination and treatment tactics in a timely manner.
FGDS for gastritis and peptic ulcer disease
Gastritis may manifest as pain, heaviness in the stomach, nausea, heartburn, and other symptoms. However, the clinical picture does not always make it possible to determine the exact cause of the complaints.
FGDS makes it possible to directly assess the condition of the gastric mucosa and determine whether inflammatory or erosive changes are present.
If peptic ulcer disease is suspected, the doctor can determine the location, size, and characteristics of the ulcerative defect, as well as assess the condition of the surrounding mucosa.
If necessary, a biopsy or testing for Helicobacter pylori is performed.
FGDS for heartburn and reflux
Regular heartburn may be one of the manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
During FGDS, the doctor assesses the condition of the esophagus and stomach and looks for inflammation, erosions, and other changes.
Examination is particularly important in cases of prolonged or frequently recurring heartburn, as well as when difficulty swallowing, pain behind the sternum, or other warning symptoms appear.
FGDS for stomach pain
Pain in the upper abdomen can have many causes. It may be associated with diseases of the stomach, duodenum, esophagus, or other conditions.
FGDS allows the doctor to obtain direct information about the condition of the mucous membrane and determine whether there are signs of inflammation, erosions, ulcers, or other pathological changes.
In the case of recurring pain, it is not recommended to take medications independently for a long time without determining the cause of the symptoms.
FGDS for prevention and early diagnosis
Gastroscopy can be used not only when pronounced symptoms are present, but also to monitor patients with chronic diseases or increased risk factors.
The need for preventive examination is determined individually by the doctor, taking into account:
the patient's age;
complaints;
existing diseases;
results of previous examinations;
family history;
risk factors.
Regular monitoring makes it possible to detect changes at an early stage and timely adjust the medical care strategy.
What to do after the examination
After a routine FGDS, the doctor provides the patient with information about the examination results and further recommendations.
If sedation was performed, it is necessary to remain under the supervision of medical staff for some time.
After medically induced sleep:
it is not recommended to drive a car independently;
it is advisable for an adult to accompany the patient;
individual doctor's recommendations should be followed;
food and fluid intake after the procedure should be agreed with the medical staff.
If a biopsy was performed during FGDS, the doctor will separately explain when and how the laboratory examination results will be provided.
Frequently asked questions about FGDS
Is FGDS painful?
During a routine gastroscopy, the patient may experience discomfort and gagging. When the procedure is performed under sedation, the patient is in a state of medically induced sleep, so subjective unpleasant sensations are significantly reduced or absent.
How long does FGDS take?
The endoscopic part of the examination itself usually takes about 10–20 minutes. When sedation is used, the total time spent at the medical center increases because of preparation and the observation period after the procedure.
Can a biopsy be performed during FGDS?
Yes. If the doctor sees an area of the mucosa requiring additional examination, a biopsy may be performed.
Can Helicobacter pylori be tested during gastroscopy?
Yes, when medically indicated, an appropriate diagnostic test can be performed during FGDS.
How often should FGDS be performed?
There is no universal schedule for all patients. The frequency of examinations depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, results of previous examinations, and the doctor's recommendations.
Can FGDS and colonoscopy be performed on the same day?
In some cases, two endoscopic examinations can be performed on the same day, including with the use of a single sedation. The possibility of such an examination is determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition.
Price and booking FGDS in Dnipro
The cost of FGDS depends on the selected examination option, the need for sedation, biopsy, and additional diagnostic procedures.
Before booking, it is recommended to clarify the current cost and the scope of the service with the medical center administrator.
FGDS in Dnipro at Ala Atlantis can be performed by prior appointment.
Ala Atlantis Medical Center contact details
Address: Dnipro, Nauky Avenue, 165.
To clarify the cost, preparation for the examination, and booking FGDS, contact the medical center in the way that is most convenient for you.
Conclusion
Fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The examination allows the doctor to directly assess the condition of the mucous membrane and detect inflammation, erosions, ulcerative defects, polyps, and other pathological changes.
At the Ala Atlantis Medical Center in Dnipro, FGDS is performed using modern video endoscopy equipment. If necessary, the examination is performed under sedation, with the possibility of performing a biopsy and testing for Helicobacter pylori.
Timely examination is especially important in cases of prolonged abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, digestive disorders, weight loss, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Do not postpone diagnosis if warning symptoms appear. Book an FGDS at the Ala Atlantis Medical Center at: Dnipro, Nauky Avenue, 165.