Face "fate" or face the gastroscopy?

This is the 5324th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Recently, "Black Myth: Wukong" has become a hit, which has made us all excited. If you dare to face "destiny", do you dare to face the endoscope? "Oh, my stomach is a little uncomfortable", "Drink some hot water and it will be fine", "Oh, my stomach hurts", "Drink some hot water and it will be fine". Have you ever encountered such a scene? Could it be that "drinking more hot water" is a magic medicine? Obviously not. However, these conversations have made us realize that in daily life, digestive tract health is often neglected, and when it sends out signals of discomfort, people always "just bear it". Over time, we have more and more problems with the digestive system, and digestive system tumors have also sneaked in inadvertently. The early manifestations of gastric cancer are very secretive. When people discover digestive tract tumors, they are often in the middle and late stages. The emergence of endoscopic technology makes it impossible for early cancer to "escape". Let us understand the "past and present" of gastroscopy together.

1. "Doctor, I know what 'fate' is, but what is a gastroscopy?"

You see, the ancients first swallowed the sword, and then in 1868, German doctor Kussmaul was inspired to invent the world's first practical rigid gastroscope, opening the door to explore the mysteries of the human digestive system. The endoscope is the doctor's magic eye. It enters the stomach through a soft tube through the digestive tract, and glimpses the truth that the naked eye cannot reach, illuminating the road to protect our health. In the past, gastroscopy, as an invasive examination, was painful, which often caused people's anxiety and fear, and many people "changed their color when talking about the endoscope". In fact, in recent years, endoscopic technology has been significantly improved, greatly improving the comfort of patients and greatly reducing pain. There may be only a little discomfort, such as a little discomfort in the throat, a little bloating in the stomach, etc., and there is no need to worry too much. In particular, the promotion of painless gastroscopy can be completed by taking a nap through the use of sedatives or anesthetics. Even if you occasionally encounter some difficult inspection situations, endoscopists will use their rich experience and skills to ensure that the inspection goes smoothly.

2. "Doctor, why am I the 'chosen one' who faces the gastroscopy?"

Many people are concerned about whether I need to do gastroscopy screening? According to the "Consensus on Early Gastric Cancer Screening and Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment in China": The following high-risk groups should undergo gastroscopy: those aged 45 years and above, and meet any of the following conditions: 1. Long-term residence in a high-incidence area of ​​gastric cancer; 2. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection; 3. A history of precancerous diseases of the stomach, such as chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastric polyps, residual stomach after surgery, hypertrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, etc.; 4. A first-degree relative has a history of gastric cancer; 5. The presence of other high-risk factors for gastric cancer (high salt, pickled diet, smoking, heavy drinking, etc.). When you are not sure whether you want to do a gastroscopy, it is better to consult a doctor for advice. Moreover, the gastroscopy can clearly see the lesions of the gastric mucosa. This advantage is completely irreplaceable by other examinations, such as tumor markers, CT, ultrasound, etc.

3. "Doctor, is a gastroscopy expensive? Can I afford it?"

If you need to be hospitalized for medical treatment and undergo a gastroscopy, medical insurance can reimburse part of the cost. The good news is that in the 2024 employee medical insurance policy reform, the scope of medical insurance reimbursement, especially for outpatient services, has been significantly expanded. Now, outpatient examination items such as gastrointestinal endoscopy, CT, color ultrasound, and MRI have been included in the scope of employee medical insurance reimbursement. It has greatly reduced the financial pressure on patients and allowed medical services to benefit more people. However, the specific reimbursement ratio and applicable conditions may vary depending on regional policies. It is recommended that you consult your local medical insurance department or medical institution for detailed reimbursement policies and procedures.

4. "Doctor, what preparations do I need to make when I face the gastroscopy?"

1. Food preparation

Patients are usually required to fast for 8-12 hours and refrain from drinking for 4 hours before the examination. (If there is delayed gastric emptying, patients should consult their doctor about the fasting and abstinence period.)

2. Drug preparation

Bring relevant medical information and inform the doctor of your personal condition in a timely manner. If necessary, take the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time and stop taking medicine that may affect the examination as ordered by the doctor.

3. Psychological preparation

Keeping a relaxed mood will help the examination go smoothly. Communicating with the doctor in a timely manner can help you better resolve your doubts and let go of your tension.

4. Special preparations

The process of gastroscopy is slightly different when visiting different hospitals. Making an appointment and understanding the procedures in a timely manner will help to complete the examination smoothly.

Only by daring to face the gastroscopy can the gastroenterologist better protect the health of our digestive tract. "It is our common vision to realize that everyone enjoys health." This is General Secretary Xi Jinping's expectation for the construction of a healthy China. Don't ignore small health problems, so as to prevent big disease problems. Face "fate" and "gastroscopy" and be the guardian of your own health!

Author: The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College

Hao Yuanzhu Resident Physician

Zhang MingxinChief Physician