Before undergoing obesity surgery, patients must go through a series of tests and preparations to determine their suitability for the procedure. One of the most critical steps in this preparation is a gastroscopy (endoscopy).
Why Should Gastroscopy Be Performed?
Gastroscopy helps identify any structural abnormalities or diseases within the stomach. This procedure allows for a detailed assessment of the patient’s stomach health and helps determine if they are suitable for surgery.
Gastroscopy is strongly recommended before obesity surgery because it:
• Reveals hidden problems in the stomach,
• Allows early detection of conditions that could pose a risk during surgery,
• Contributes to safe and accurate surgical planning.
What Are the Risks of Undergoing Surgery Without Gastroscopy?
Undergoing obesity surgery without gastroscopy can pose serious health risks. Surgical procedures performed without knowledge of the stomach’s internal condition and existing diseases can lead to:
• Missed diagnoses of ulcers, polyps, or hidden tumors,
• Overlooked valve (sphincter) dysfunctions, increasing reflux risk,
• Higher complication risks due to undigested solid food in the stomach,
• Increased risk of surgical complications such as bleeding, leakage, or infection,
• Performing weight loss surgery on a stomach with undetected cancer.
Such scenarios can endanger the patient’s health and life and may delay the correct treatment.
