The procedure called gastroscopy involves the placing of an
endoscope (a small flexible tube with a camera and light) into the
stomach and duodenum to search for abnormalities. Tissue samples
may be obtained to check for H. pylori bacteria, a cause of many
peptic ulcers. An actively bleeding ulcer may also be cauterized
(blood vessels are sealed with a burning tool) during a gastroscopy
procedure.
Review Date: 09/28/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
