Gastroscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inner lining of the stomach. The word is spelled with a silent "o" in the middle, which is not pronounced. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ɡæstrɑːskəpi/, where the stress falls on the second syllable. The "g" is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, while "a" is pronounced as a short vowel followed by an "r" sound. The "o" in the middle is silent, and the final "y" is pronounced as a long "i".
Gastroscopy is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the interior of the stomach using an instrument called a gastroscope. It is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to visually inspect the lining of the stomach to diagnose and monitor various gastrointestinal conditions.
During a gastroscopy, the patient is usually sedated or given a local anaesthetic to minimize discomfort. The gastroscope is a long, flexible tube with a tiny light and a camera at the end. It is inserted through the mouth and guided down the esophagus into the stomach.
The purpose of a gastroscopy is to identify any abnormalities in the stomach lining, such as ulcers, inflammation, tumors, or bleeding. It can also be used to collect tissue samples for biopsies and to perform certain therapeutic interventions, such as the removal of polyps or the control of bleeding.
Gastroscopy is an essential diagnostic tool for several gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even stomach cancer. By visualizing the stomach lining directly, doctors can make accurate diagnoses and plan appropriate treatment strategies.
Overall, gastroscopy is a safe and effective procedure that provides valuable information about the health of the stomach and helps guide medical interventions to improve patients' well-being.
Examination of the abdomen or of the stomach.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gastroscopy" comes from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "Gastro", which means "stomach". It is derived from the Greek word "gaster" (γαστήρ).
2. "Skopein", which means "to examine" or "to look". It is derived from the Greek word "skopos" (σκοπος), which means "target" or "watcher".
So, when combined, "gastroscopy" literally means "to examine the stomach".