Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is an examination of the inside of the gullet, stomach and duodenum. It is performed by using a thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument that is passed through the mouth and allows the doctor to see whether there is any damage to the lining of the oesophagus (gullet) or stomach, and whether there are any ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.

The procedure is painless and is usually done under a light sedative as a day-case patient in a specialised endoscopy unit. Anyone suffering from stomach problems should consult a doctor who will, in most cases, treat the symptoms without a major examination.

How is a gastroscopy performed?

After explaining the procedure, the endoscopist will spray the back of the throat with a local anaesthetic. This is similar to the anaesthetic used by dentists. It numbs the throat and may make it difficult to swallow. When sedation is used, it is not a full anaesthetic and the patient will still be conscious and aware. A nurse will lie the patient on their left side and the endoscopist will then gently place the end of the instrument into the mouth and ask the patient to swallow it, which feels like swallowing a large piece of food.

The endoscopist may need to put some air into the stomach to perform the examination effectively and this can cause discomfort or even a need to belch. This is perfectly normal.

The endoscopist will closely examine the lining of the gullet, stomach and duodenum to identify the cause of the symptoms. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Why is gastroscopy useful?

The doctor can study the mucous membrane of the stomach from the top to the bottom, and see irritation, wounds, or tumours. Gastroscopy is effective, and has now replaced the use of X-rays in many cases. It helps the doctor see any abnormalities in the gullet, the stomach and the duodenum. It is precise and safe.

Through the gastroscope, the doctor can take samples or photographs of the mucous membrane. The most modern gastroscopes can also show the areas in the stomach on a TV screen, so that the mucous membrane can be studied thoroughly. This can be recorded on a videotape, and used for later comparison.

Patients are often given a gastroscopic examination because of their indigestion symptoms, which can usually be treated with tablets.

	examination	обстеження
	flexible instrument	гнучкий інструмент
	a lining of the gullet	слизова оболонка стравоходу
	painless procedure	безболісна процедура
	a day-case patient	пацієнт на денному стаціонарі
	to swallow food	ковтати їжу
	to belch	відригувати, блювати
	irritation	подразнення, пошкодження
	tumour	пухлина
	abnormality	патологія
	indigestion	нетравлення шлунка

FATS

Fats are chemical substances that provide additional energy and help your body store vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fats help the body absorb Vitamin D, which is needed for calcium to be used in the formation of bones, teeth, and other tissue. Fats are stored as fat tissue. They surround and cushion the internal organs, such as the liver, heart, and kidneys.

There are two kinds of fats. Saturated fats are fats from foods of animal origin and are usually in solid form at room temperature. Steak, pork, liver, and ham contain saturated fats. Dairy products such as whole milk, cream, cheese, and butter also contain saturated fats.

Saturated fats are the starting materials for the body's production of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance that is normally found in the brain, nerves, and skin. Even if there is no cholesterol in the diet, some is manufactured by the liver. A certain amount of cholesterol is needed for good health. However, it is believed that too much cholesterol may be harmful to health.

Unsaturated fats are obtained from foods of vegetable, nut, or seed origin and are usually liquid at room temperature. Olive oil, corn oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil are fats that are unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are also found in animals that fly or swim. Fish, chicken, duck, and turkey are foods that contain unsaturated fats.