Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy
Persistent heartburn, trouble swallowing or discomfort after eating can leave you wondering what’s going on. A gastroscopy allows your doctor to look directly at your upper digestive system, helping to find changes that may explain your symptoms and guide the next step in your care.
What is a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy, also called an upper endoscopy, is a procedure that examines the inside of your oesophagus and stomach, as well as the first part of your small intestine, known as the duodenum.
It uses a gastroscope, which is a slim, flexible tube with a small camera at the end. The tube is gently passed through your mouth so your doctor can see the lining of your upper digestive tract in detail.
Small tissue samples can also be collected during the procedure. These are called biopsies and are examined in a laboratory to look for changes that may not be visible through the camera alone.
What can a gastroscopy show?
A gastroscopy can reveal inflammation, damage or other changes affecting the upper digestive tract.
For example, it may show irritation of the oesophagus caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. It can also identify areas of narrowing that could be making swallowing difficult.
Gastroscopy plays an important role in diagnosing and monitoring Barrett’s oesophagus, where the cells lining the lower oesophagus have changed after long-term acid reflux.
If your doctor sees an area that looks unusual, a biopsy can be taken for closer examination. Samples may also help diagnose conditions such as coeliac disease or check for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers.
Why might I need a gastroscopy?
Your doctor may suggest a gastroscopy when symptoms keep returning, aren’t improving with treatment or need further investigation.
Reasons for having the procedure can include:
- Persistent heartburn or indigestion
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Ongoing upper abdominal pain
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained anaemia, where you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools
- Unintentional weight loss
- Monitoring a previously diagnosed condition such as Barrett’s oesophagus
Not everyone with digestive symptoms needs a gastroscopy. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history and any previous test results before recommending the most appropriate investigation.
Preparing for a gastroscopy
You’ll need to have an empty stomach for the procedure, so you’ll be given instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Following these carefully helps your doctor see the area clearly and reduces the chance of complications.
Let your healthcare team know about any medicines you take before your appointment. This is particularly important if you use blood-thinning medication or medicines for diabetes, as you may be given specific instructions about taking them on the day.
If you’re having sedation, you’ll also need to plan how you’ll get home afterwards. Your care team will explain what arrangements you need to make before you arrive.
What happens during a gastroscopy?
When you’re ready for the procedure, you may be offered a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat. Sedation can also be given through a vein to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.
You’ll usually lie on your side while the gastroscope is gently guided through your mouth and down your oesophagus. It doesn’t interfere with your breathing.
The camera sends images to a screen as your doctor examines the lining of your upper digestive tract. A small amount of air or carbon dioxide may be used to open the area slightly and improve the view.
If tissue needs to be checked more closely, a biopsy can be taken through the gastroscope. You shouldn’t feel the sample being collected.
Recovering from a gastroscopy
Afterwards, you’ll have time to rest while any sedation wears off. A mild sore throat or bloated feeling can happen after the procedure and usually settles quickly.
Your doctor may be able to explain what they saw before you leave. If biopsies were collected, you’ll need to wait for the laboratory results before a final diagnosis can be made. Your team will let you know how and when these results will be discussed.
If you’ve had sedation, don’t drive or operate machinery for the period advised by your healthcare team. Follow the instructions you’re given about eating, drinking and returning to your usual activities.
Risks of a gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure and serious complications are uncommon. Possible risks include a reaction to sedation or bleeding, particularly if treatment is carried out during the procedure.
Rarely, a tear can occur in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum. Your doctor will talk you through the risks that are relevant to you before you agree to the procedure.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop severe chest or abdominal pain, a fever, vomiting blood or black stools after you return home.
Book a private gastroscopy with Complete Health Australia
If upper digestive symptoms are affecting your comfort or you’ve been advised to have a gastroscopy, Complete Health Australia can help you move forward with a clearer understanding of what’s happening.
Our gastroenterology team can assess your symptoms, arrange appropriate investigations and explain your results in straightforward language. If treatment or follow-up is needed, your care can then be planned around what the investigation has found.
Meet our specialists
Our gastroenterologists provide experienced care for conditions affecting the digestive system. From your first assessment through to follow-up, you’ll have clear guidance about your investigation and what comes next.
Sources
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colonoscopy
- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/gastroscopy
- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/gastroscopy/why-its-done/
- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/gastroscopy/getting-ready/
- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/gastroscopy/what-happens/
- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/gastroscopy/results/
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