March 28, 2023
Tarek Elhor
Founder of Brussels Surgical · Anesthesiologist and Aesthetic Physician
Gastroscopy is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal issues such as chest pain, nausea, ulcers, acid reflux, polyps, and more. It involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera through the mouth. This allows the physician to view the inside of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). In Belgium, gastroscopy is a common procedure performed in hospitals or in specialized clinics such as the Brussel Surgical & Esthetic Center. In this article, we explain how gastroscopy is performed in Belgium, from preparation to the procedure itself, including the potential risks and side effects.
Gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a visual examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A gastroenterologist inserts a flexible tube through the mouth or nose to detect lesions and determine the cause of symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, acid reflux, or unexplained weight gain or loss. This procedure helps diagnose conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers, cancer, varices, or angiodysplasia. It may be combined with tissue sampling (biopsy) or minor surgical procedures, such as the removal of benign tumors or foreign objects.
In Belgium, gastroscopy can help identify the cause of various gastrointestinal disorders and detect conditions ranging from mild to serious, including stomach cancer. It is generally recommended in the following cases:
If you present with any of these symptoms, you should consult your physician promptly to discuss whether a gastroscopy is necessary, or you may book an appointment directly at our center.
Before the gastroscopy, you will have a consultation with your physician, who will explain the procedure and gather the necessary medical information, such as current medications. Some medications may interfere with the gastroscopy process in Belgium. Your practitioner will then provide you with instructions. In most cases, fasting is required for at least six hours before the procedure. You may drink clear liquids such as water, tea, coffee, or clear broth up to three hours before the exam. In some situations, medication may be prescribed to prepare the stomach and small intestine. This depends on your individual case, and your doctor will inform you accordingly.
The examination may be carried out under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation. It generally lasts about ten minutes. The patient is asked to lie on their left side, and the physician gently inserts an endoscope through the mouth. The tube is then guided through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Thanks to the small camera at the tip, the practitioner can view the interior of these organs in real time and determine the cause of your symptoms. If necessary, they may collect tissue samples for analysis or remove polyps. The procedure may feel uncomfortable, but it is not painful. It is important for the patient to breathe calmly and regularly to avoid nausea, and to refrain from swallowing saliva throughout the examination.
Following the examination, you may experience mild discomfort, bloating, or cramping caused by the air introduced during the procedure. Slight bleeding may also occur if polyps were removed. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few hours or by the following day. If your gastroenterologist performed tissue sampling during the endoscopy, you will be contacted with the results once the analysis is complete.
You must wait a few hours after the procedure before eating or drinking again, and heavy meals should be avoided for a few days. You will be given medical leave the following day to allow for rest and recovery. Due to the effects of sedation, it is recommended that you arrange to be accompanied home.
Although gastroscopy is a routine and generally safe procedure, as with any medical intervention, risks and side effects may occur. These can include complications related to sedation, infections, or perforation of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain, which typically subside naturally. However, if you experience more severe symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in the stool, or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately.
The cost of a gastroscopy in Belgium can vary depending on the facility, your health insurance coverage, and the practitioner’s or institution’s fees. Prices typically range from €150 to €500. In most cases, the procedure is reimbursed by national health insurance and supplementary mutual insurance providers. At the Brussel Surgical & Esthetic Center, some additional costs may not be covered, such as medication, equipment, the “one dry” package, and the anesthesiologist’s fees. The rate for a gastroscopy with anesthesia and mutual insurance coverage is therefore €150.
Gastroscopy may be uncomfortable, but it is quick and minimally painful. It is an essential procedure for diagnosing many gastrointestinal conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, speak with your doctor or book an appointment directly at the Brussel Surgical & Esthetic Center to undergo a gastroscopy. Our physicians will provide all the necessary instructions prior to your examination and explain every step of the procedure on the day.
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