Gastroscopy

During a gastroscopy, a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and esophagus and further into the stomach and small intestine. The procedure is pain-free, but is uncomfortable for the patient and is usually combined with a mild anesthetic. Clear images from the digestive tract are delivered by a video camera, which is mounted at the top of the device, and are consequently used for the diagnosis. Tissue samples (biopsy) are performed.

After the suspicion of celiac disease through a blood count, the gastroscopy is used to confirm the diagnosis. Through the images of the damaged small intestine, and by the removal of tissue, through further investigation, the severity of the disease is detected.

A repeated diagnostic gastroscopy for celiac disease is usually not necessary if there are no further or other types of complaints in the gastrointestinal tract that require clarification.