Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) - Accurate Optical Diagnosis, Early Treatment, and Peace of Mind

Persistent abdominal pain, ongoing heartburn, or difficulty swallowing are warning signs your body sends. Trying to “guess” the cause or treating symptoms blindly with medication can delay an important diagnosis and may cause treatable conditions to be missed at an early and safer stage.

Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) is an advanced endoscopic examination that allows direct, precise visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It enables the detection of even subtle mucosal changes and, when necessary, the performance of therapeutic interventions during the same procedure.

At Dr. Vosko’s clinic, the examination goes beyond diagnosis and becomes a comprehensive clinical tool. Thanks to specialized training in Optical Diagnosis at Westmead Hospital in Australia and the use of advanced image-enhancement technologies such as NBI and LCI, microscopic tissue changes can be identified with high accuracy. This significantly reduces missed diagnoses and supports precise, evidence-based treatment decisions.

The procedure is performed under sedation in a calm, pain-free environment, providing clear, reliable answers in real time.

Persistent abdominal pain and digestive symptoms deserve a thorough and accurate evaluation.
To schedule a consultation or an advanced gastroscopy appointment, please leave your details in the form, call the clinic, or send a WhatsApp message to our team.

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Gastroscopy is intended for patients who require a thorough evaluation of upper digestive symptoms, as well as structured surveillance for known or high-risk conditions.

Persistent Symptoms

• Chronic heartburn (GERD), burning sensation in the chest, or acid regurgitation
• Upper abdominal pain (epigastric pain)
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting
• Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
• Significant bloating after meals

Warning Signs (Red Flags)

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), sensation of food getting “stuck,” or pain during swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia or low hemoglobin without a clear source
• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, including vomiting blood or black, tarry stools (melena)

Investigation of Known or Suspected Conditions

• Suspected gastric or duodenal ulcer
• Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or stomach (gastritis)
• Suspected Helicobacter pylori infection
• Evaluation for celiac disease (gluten sensitivity)

Surveillance and High-Risk Conditions

• Patients with Barrett’s esophagus or precancerous mucosal changes
• History of gastric polyps or tumors
• Personal or family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, according to established clinical guidelines

Suspecting Helicobacter pylori? Why Gastroscopy Is the Most Accurate Test

What is Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a very common bacterium found in the stomach of a large portion of the population. Infection usually spreads from person to person.
For many people, the bacterium remains “silent” and causes no symptoms. For others, it is a major cause of abdominal pain, nausea, inflammation, stomach or duodenal ulcers, and in rare cases, gastric cancer. Treatment typically includes a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.

Why are breath or stool tests not always enough?
Many patients are familiar with the breath test or stool antigen test used to detect H. pylori. These tests are useful, but they have an important limitation:

They may produce a false-negative result.

This means that the bacterium is present and active in the stomach, but the test incorrectly appears normal. This commonly occurs when a patient is taking acid-suppressing medications (PPIs such as omeprazole or Nexium) or has recently taken antibiotics, which can mask the bacteria in non-invasive tests.

The advantage of gastroscopy (biopsy)
Taking a biopsy (a small tissue sample) during gastroscopy is considered the most reliable and accurate diagnostic method, often referred to as the “gold standard”.

It allows us to:

1. Identify the bacterium directly under the microscope, even if medications have been taken
2. Visually assess the damage caused by the infection, such as inflammation or ulcers, and address it appropriately

Our clinical recommendations

• Age 45 and over:
  If you experience upper abdominal pain, nausea, or persistent discomfort, the general recommendation is to bypass breath tests and proceed directly to gastroscopy. This approach helps rule out other conditions that become more common with age.
• Under age 45:
  If a breath or stool test returned negative but symptoms persist, this should not be ignored. The result may be inaccurate, or another condition may be present, such as reflux disease or a hiatal hernia. In this situation, gastroscopy is the essential next step to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Gastroscopy is an examination that relies entirely on the examiner’s eye and their ability to correctly interpret what they see. The difference between a “normal” examination and a life-saving one often lies in the smallest details.

• ‍Expertise in Optical Diagnosis: Dr. Vosko trained at Westmead Hospital in Australia, a world-leading center for early detection. He is highly skilled in identifying flat, subtle, and early lesions that are easily missed during standard examinations.
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• ‍Advanced Technology (NBI / LCI): Use of advanced video imaging systems that enhance visualization of blood vessels and tissue patterns, enabling precise identification of precancerous changes in the esophagus and stomach.
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• ‍“See & Treat” Approach: Dr. Vosko goes beyond diagnosis. As the director of an Advanced Endoscopy Unit, he has the expertise and equipment to treat complex findings such as polyp removal or stricture dilation during the same session, avoiding the need for repeat procedures.
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• ‍Patient Experience: The examination is performed under high-quality sedation with strict monitoring, focusing on patient safety and minimal discomfort.

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