What is the Difference Between Endoscopy and Gastroscopy?

Endoscopy and gastroscopy are both diagnostic procedures used to examine the interior of the body, but they differ in their scope and the specific areas they target. Here are the key differences between the two:

Scope: Endoscopy is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of techniques used to examine the interior of the human body, including the insertion of an imaging device in the form of a tube or scope attached with a camera. Gastroscopy, on the other hand, is a specific type of endoscopy that focuses on examining the upper part of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel, also known as the duodenum.
Procedure: During a gastroscopy, the endoscope is inserted through the patient's mouth to view the upper gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, endoscopy can involve the insertion of the endoscope through an incision or other body openings, depending on the specific area being examined.
Applications: Gastroscopy is typically used to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, growth problems, or diarrhea, and can help diagnose gastric cancer or other digestive system issues. Endoscopy, as a broader term, includes various types of examinations, such as colonoscopy (examination of the colon) and upper endoscopy (examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum).

Despite these differences, both procedures have some similarities, such as using the same technologies, being able to enhance the procedures with utilities like ultrasound, having patient risks of contracting infections, and being used for various reasons, including examination and treatment.