What is gastroscopy examination

Gastroscopy biopsy is mainly used to examine whether there are lesions in the gastric mucosal tissue, in order to clarify the nature of the disease. The usual examination items include Helicobacter pylori infection, type of inflammation, degree of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia.

1. Helicobacter pylori detection:

The tissue taken out during gastroscopy biopsy can be used for rapid urease test or pathological section staining to directly determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. This type of bacteria is the main pathogenic factor for chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, and long-term infection can also increase the risk of gastric cancer. If the test result is positive, it is usually necessary to undergo standardized eradication treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly used drugs include amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin tablets, omeprazole enteric coated capsules, etc.

2. Type and degree of inflammation:

By observing biopsy tissue under a microscope, acute gastritis or chronic gastritis can be distinguished, and the degree of infiltration of inflammatory cells can be evaluated. Chronic gastritis can be divided into superficial gastritis and atrophic gastritis. The inflammation in the former is mainly limited to the mucosal surface, while the latter is accompanied by a decrease in gastric glands. Identifying the type of inflammation can help develop subsequent treatment plans, such as using magnesium aluminum carbonate chewable tablets to protect the gastric mucosa or taking domperidone tablets to improve gastric motility.

3. Atrophy degree:

Gastric mucosal atrophy refers to the reduction or disappearance of the number of gastric glands and the thinning of the gastric wall, which is an important indicator of the progression of chronic gastritis. The biopsy report will describe the scope and severity of atrophy. Mild atrophy may have no obvious symptoms, while moderate to severe atrophy is often accompanied by reduced gastric acid secretion, indigestion, and other symptoms. Patients with atrophic gastritis need to undergo regular gastroscopy to monitor changes in their condition. If necessary, folic acid tablets or vitamin B12 tablets can be used as adjuvant therapy according to medical advice.

4. Intestinal metaplasia:

Intestinal metaplasia refers to the replacement of gastric mucosal epithelium with epithelium similar to intestinal mucosa, which is an adaptive change of gastric mucosa after long-term injury. According to the type and scope of metaplasia, it can be divided into complete and incomplete types, among which incomplete intestinal metaplasia is more closely related to gastric cancer. After discovering intestinal metaplasia, patients need to adjust their dietary habits, reduce the intake of pickled and smoked foods, and regularly follow up for observation.

5. Heterogeneity:

Heterogeneity refers to abnormal proliferation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells, with cell morphology and structure deviating from normal, and belongs to precancerous lesions. According to the severity, it is divided into low-grade and high-grade dysplasia, with high-grade dysplasia having a higher risk of progressing to gastric cancer. Once high-grade dysplasia is detected during biopsy, it is usually recommended to undergo endoscopic resection treatment, such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic mucosal dissection, to block further progression of the lesion.

Gastroscopy biopsy is an important means of diagnosing gastric diseases, and the examination results can provide key basis for subsequent treatment. It is recommended that patients follow a light diet after biopsy, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, temporarily refrain from drinking alcohol, and take medication to protect the gastric mucosa according to medical advice. If the biopsy report indicates abnormalities, the report should be brought for timely follow-up, and the doctor should develop personalized treatment plans based on specific pathological results. Do not interpret or overly anxious on your own.