Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy today, carried out by Dr C. The scheduled time was 11.20 and I was there 15 minutes early as instructed, but the procedure was actually started at 11.55, continuing until about 12.20. The back of the throat is sprayed to numb it, and enable the patient to tolerate insertion of the tube without gagging. The gastroenterologist examines the oesophagus, stomach and intestine with the aid of a light and camera at the end of the tube, and can also insert a device that enables cuttings to be taken from any tissue that looks interesting.

Dr C said that the stomach was slightly tortuous, but that was no big deal. As a result of earlier acid reflux, the surface of the bottom of the oesophagus had changed to become similar to the stomach lining, a condition known as Barrett's oesophagus [see www.ucl.ac.uk/surgery/nmlc/Barrett.htm]. There was a small stricture above the Barrett's, and Dr C took two biopsies fromm the stricture and the Barrett's. He also wrote an order for a blood sample, which I had after a 20 minute wait at 12.45, then cycled home, arriving conveniently at 13.00, the time prescribed to start eating and drinking again.

For the last four days, taking Domperidome, there has been no reflux, but Dr C prescribed indefinite continuation of Omeprazole 40 mg, an antacid drug.

And by the way, I won the ping-pong yesterday 2-0, making the cumulative score 45-42.