Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy (also called upper endoscopy) is used to investigate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent reflux or heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, unexplained weight loss or anaemia. It allows the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to be examined directly, biopsies to be taken, and conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, Barrett's oesophagus and tumours to be diagnosed. It is also used for surveillance in patients at increased risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer.

You will need to fast from food for six hours before the procedure. Clear fluids are usually permitted until two hours beforehand. Please tell us about all of your medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetes medication, as some may need to be adjusted. The procedure is performed under sedation given by an anaesthetist, so you will need someone to take you home.

Gastroscopy takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once you are sedated, a thin flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach and duodenum. Air is used to gently inflate the stomach so that the lining can be seen clearly, and small tissue samples may be taken. You will not feel pain and most people have no memory of the procedure.

You will rest in recovery until the sedation has worn off, usually within an hour, and can then go home with a responsible adult. You should not drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours. A mild sore throat or bloating is common and settles quickly. Preliminary findings are discussed with you on the day, and biopsy results are reviewed at a follow-up appointment.