What is the purpose of insufflation during a gastroscopy?

Insufflation during a gastroscopy serves the primary purpose of distending the stomach, which enhances visualization of its walls and the surrounding structures. By inflating the stomach with air or CO2, the endoscopist can create a clearer view, making it easier to assess the mucosal lining for any abnormalities, lesions, or signs of disease. This distension helps to flatten and spread the stomach walls, reducing folds that might otherwise obscure important findings.

The other options do not align with the primary function of insufflation. Removing excess fluid from the stomach addresses a different procedure and does not relate to the visualization aspect that insufflation provides. While therapeutic effects on stomach ulcers may be a goal of treatment or intervention during a procedure, they are not directly related to the act of insufflation. Similarly, aiding in the removal of foreign bodies typically involves different techniques and does not pertain to the purpose of insufflation in creating a clearer view.