Gastroscopy

What is Gastroscopy?

What is gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an gastroscope is used to look inside the esophagus, stomach and the first bit of the small intestine (duodenum).

The tube has a camera at one end which helps in taking images of the inside of your gastrointestinal tract and also can take biopsies if needed.

Should you receive an endoscopy from us, our staff will guide you on how to prepare for your procedure.

What is the purpose of gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a commonly performed routine test. This test may be advised if you have symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms thought to be coming from the upper GI tract.

Conditions which can be confirmed (or ruled out) include:

Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).

Duodenal or stomach ulcer.

Duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum).

Barrett’s esophagus.

Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).

Cancer of the stomach or esophagus.

Various other rare conditions.

How does it work?

Your doctor will spray your throat with a local anesthetic and give you a sedation to help you relax. You’ll then lie on your back, and a doctor will pass the tube through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The tube doesn’t interfere with your breathing. Most patients consider the test not at all uncomfortable, and many patients fall asleep during the procedure as it is conducted under sedation.

How long does it take?

A gastroscopy usually takes about 10 minutes. However, you should allow at least 2 hours for the whole appointment to prepare, give time for the sedative to work (if you have one). A gastroscopy does not usually hurt, but it can be a little uncomfortable after the procedure.

How to prepare?

Preparation Form    PDF

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