What is a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a procedure to look inside your:

• oesophagus (food pipe)
• stomach
• first part of your small bowel (small intestine)

A gastroscopy is also known as an upper endoscopy. It involves having a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) put into your mouth and moved down into your stomach.

A gastroscopy is usually done as a day procedure in hospital.

When is a gastrosopy needed?

Your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy to investigate symptoms, such as:

• indigestion
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• difficulty swallowing

It can show if there is inflammation, bleeding, an ulcer or growth in your upper digestive tract. A gastroscopy is also done as part of the testing for coeliac disease.

Sometimes a gastroscopy is done to treat certain conditions. It may be done to:

• treat a bleeding stomach ulcer
• help widen a narrowed oesophagus (known as dilatation)
• remove a swallowed object (for example, if a child swallows something that needs to be removed from their stomach, such as a button battery)

How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?

Your doctor will check if you have any allergies before the procedure. They will also ask about your other medical conditions.

You should ask your doctor whether to take your regular medicines before the procedure.

If you are having a gastroscopy, you will need to have an empty stomach. This is so that your doctor can see clearly and so you do not vomit. You should not eat or drink for 6 hours beforehand. Your doctor will advise you about the specific details before the procedure.

Before the procedure, you may be given a local anaesthetic throat spray to numb your throat. You may also need to wear a special mouthguard to help protect your teeth during the procedure. Dentures (false teeth) may need to be removed.

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What happens during a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

If you are having a gastroscopy, you will usually be sedated. Most people don’t remember anything about the procedure afterwards.

Your doctor will direct the endoscopy tube through your mouth and down into your stomach and first part of your small intestine. As the endoscope moves along, your doctor can see images from inside your digestive system on a video monitor.

Your doctor can also take tissue samples (biopsies), and can remove polyps.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After a gastroscopy, you will be in the recovery area for a short while, where you will be monitored.

You might:

• feel drowsy from the sedation
• have a slightly sore throat
• feel slightly bloated

You are usually allowed to eat and drink after the procedure.

You may need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your results.

Watch the videos below to learn how an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and dilatation are done.

EIDO Healthcare Australia - Upper GI Endoscopy

EIDO Healthcare Australia - Upper GI Endoscopy and Dilatation

Complications of a gastroscopy

Serious complications are rare with a gastroscopy. But possible complications can include:

• bleeding
• a tear of your stomach or bowel lining — this is more likely when the gastroscopy involves a biopsy or removal of polyps
• complications from sedation
• chest infection

Contact your doctor or hospital straight away if you have any symptoms that worry you after the gastroscopy, such as:

• fever
• worsening pain in your throat, chest or tummy
• difficulty swallowing

Resources and support

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) has information on gastroscopy.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.