A gastroscopy (also called an upper endoscopy or panendoscopy) is a safe and commonly performed procedure used to check the inside of your oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
During the procedure, you’ll be gently sedated to ensure you're relaxed and comfortable. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera is passed through your mouth and guided down into your digestive tract.
Doctors usually recommend a gastroscopy if you're experiencing symptoms like reflux, ongoing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or other concerns involving your upper digestive system. Sometimes, small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken for testing. Polyps can also be removed, and treatments for bleeding or narrowing in the oesophagus can be done during the procedure if needed.
To get the clearest view during the procedure, your stomach needs to be empty:
No food for at least 6 hours before your appointment
No liquids for 4 hours prior
You won’t need to do a full bowel cleanse unless your gastroscopy is being done along with a colonoscopy. Waiting times can vary, so bringing a book or something to keep you occupied is a good idea.
Most regular medications can be taken with a small sip of water on the morning of your procedure.
However, if you take:
Blood thinners like aspirin, clopidogrel, Warfarin, Xarelto or Pradaxa,
Or if you're diabetic,
It’s very important to talk to your gastroenterologist ahead of time, as your medications may need to be adjusted.
Gastroscopy is generally very low risk. Complications like bleeding or a small tear in the lining of the digestive tract are extremely rare and usually only occur if additional procedures (like removing polyps or widening a narrowed area) are needed.
The sedation used is usually very safe, especially if you’re in good general health. If you have heart, lung, or other medical conditions, be sure to discuss these with your doctor beforehand.
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the nursing staff who will help get you ready. You’ll meet the anaesthetist and then be taken into the procedure room. A small drip (IV) will be placed in your arm, and you’ll receive a gentle sedative—not a full general anaesthetic.
The actual gastroscopy usually takes about 15 minutes, and most people have little or no memory of it afterwards.
You’ll be moved to a recovery area until you’re fully awake. Once you're alert, your doctor will go over what they found, though you may not remember all the details right away. A written summary will also be sent to your GP. If any biopsies were taken, the results will usually be discussed at your follow-up appointment.
Important:
For the rest of the day:
Do not drive, work, drink alcohol, or make important decisions
Make sure an adult escorts you home and stays with you until the next day
Recovery is usually smooth, but if you experience severe pain, vomiting, or bleeding, contact your hospital or doctor straight away. In an emergency, call 000.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact your gastroenterologist or visit the Gastroenterological Society of Australia for more information: www.gesa.org.au