PERSISTENT BLOATING AND INDIGESTION IN OLDER ADULTS: EARLY ENDOSCOPY FOR DETECTING GASTROINTESTINAL LESIONS

A recent case at Hanoi French Hospital clearly illustrates this. A 71-year-old patient experienced frequent bloating and indigestion but only sought medical attention after developing dark-colored vomiting. He was promptly indicated for NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) gastroscopy to assess potential lesions.

Endoscopic findings and histopathological biopsy confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma. Thanks to timely detection, the patient underwent a three-quarter gastrectomy and recovered well after treatment.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Duat, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hanoi French Hospital, stated:

“In clinical practice, indigestion is only considered a functional disorder after organic lesions have been excluded through endoscopy. In older adults, gastroscopy plays a crucial role in the early detection of mucosal abnormalities, ranging from inflammation and ulcers to precancerous lesions and early-stage cancer, even when symptoms are subtle.”

Dr. Duat recommends that individuals, especially older adults, seek early medical evaluation and consider gastroscopy if they experience the following symptoms:

• Persistent bloating or indigestion lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Early satiety or loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dark-colored vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

Timely endoscopy not only helps identify the exact cause but also provides an opportunity for early intervention, significantly improving treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis.

Hanoi French Hospital is a trusted destination for the screening and treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases, offering:

• Internationally trained specialists in Gastroenterology and Hepatology who accompany patients throughout their treatment journey
• Advanced equipment (Olympus EVIS EXERA III CV-190 HQ endoscopy system with magnification, NBI imaging, PAS and HE staining biopsies; 1.5 Tesla MRI system; and laboratory tests aligned with WHO recommendations)
• Endoscopy and treatment protocols following the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization, World Gastroenterology Organization, and the Vietnam Association of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• Endoscopy suites meeting the highest standards of infection control
• Dedicated monitoring areas ensuring maximum safety and comfort before, during, and after endoscopy

For consultation or appointments with our gastroenterology specialists, please contact our HOTLINE at 024.35771100 or message our FANPAGE “Hanoi French Hospital” or WhatsApp: +84 903 497 078