Gastroscopy: What It Is and What to Expect
What is a gastroscopy?
The word gastroscopy comes from “gastro” (meaning stomach) and “scopy” (meaning to look or examine). A gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a small camera is used to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum). During the procedure, the gastroscope is gently passed through the mouth and advanced to the duodenum, allowing a careful examination of the inner lining of these organs.
Why?
Your doctor may suggest a gastroscopy to investigate symptoms affecting your upper digestive tract or to monitor known conditions.
There are many reasons why but common ones include:
Ongoing heartburn or reflux not improving with medication
Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Anaemia or signs of bleeding from the stomach or oesophagus
Follow-up of ulcers, inflammation, or polyps seen on previous tests
The procedure helps identify issues such as ulcers, inflammation, infection, or early signs of disease, allowing your doctor to plan the best treatment for you.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A gastroscopy is a short and safe day procedure performed in a hospital or endoscopy centre.
Before the test, you’ll be asked not to eat or drink for several hours to ensure your stomach is empty. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown, and a small plastic tube (cannula) will be placed in your arm for sedation.
Once you’re comfortable, your doctor will:
Give you light sedation to help you relax or fall asleep — most patients don’t remember the procedure.
Gently pass the gastroscope through your mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Carefully inspect the lining of these areas on a high-definition screen.
Take small tissue samples (biopsies) if needed — this is completely painless.
The entire procedure usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, you’ll rest in recovery while the sedation wears off. A friend or family member will need to take you home.
Are there any risks?
All procedures have risk involved and should be discussed with your doctor. However, gastroscopy is considered a very safe procedure, with complications being uncommon.
Possible risks include:
Sore throat or mild bloating for a few hours after the test
Reaction to sedation, such as drowsiness or nausea (temporary)
Bleeding, usually very minor, if a biopsy is taken
Perforation (tear) of the bowel wall — this is extremely rare
Other risks can occur and your doctor will discuss any specific risks with you before the procedure.
Authored by Dr Walid Abu Shawish MBBS(Hons) BPharm(Hons) PGCertClinPharm FRACP.
Windsor, Melbourne Located Private Gastroenterologist & Advanced Endoscopist. For referral or contact information click here.