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A gastroscopy, also known as an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure used to examine your oesophagus, stomach and the duodenum (the first part of your small intestine).
A gastroscopy is a common and safe procedure, it is generally quick and simple, and most people can go home just hours afterwards.
Gastroscopy explained
Before a gastroscopy, a local anaesthetic spray may be applied to the back of your throat to numb it, and most people are given a sedative through a small tube that is inserted into a vein (intravenous cannula) to help them relax.
The procedure is usually performed by a gastroenterologist. During the procedure the gastroenterologist inserts a gastroscope, a small tube about the size of your pinky finger with a camera on the end, into your mouth. They will then gently feed the gastroscope down your oesophagus to your stomach and duodenum.
The procedure usually only takes 10-15 minutes.
What is gastroscopy used for
A gastroscopy is generally a diagnostic procedure. Most of the time, they are performed to investigate symptoms associated with the upper digestive system, like indigestion, discomfort, nausea or trouble swallowing.
The gastroscopy can show if there is inflammation, an ulcer, polyp or other growth in your upper gastrointestinal system.
Doctors can also treat some conditions during a gastroscopy. Common examples include treating bleeding stomach ulcers, widening the oesophagus, taking biopsies and removing polyps.
The risks
Gastroscopies are generally very safe. But like all medical procedures, there is always a risk of complications.
Some of the more common complications include bleeding from a biopsy site, or where a polyp was removed. This is usually minor and rarely requires any further treatment.
Serious problems are rare, but there is a risk of bowel perforation and damaging teeth.
Preparing for a gastroscopy
Your stomach needs to be empty for the doctor to see properly during the procedure. You will usually be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least five hours before the procedure. Your doctor will give specific instructions beforehand, depending on the time of day your procedure is.
- Some things to discuss with your doctor beforehand include:
- Whether or not the procedure will be performed with a sedative, and your preferences
- Any medications you are on, and if you need to adjust them or stop them before the procedure
- Any drug allergies
- Any major health conditions that may require special attention, for example heart and lung conditions.
Recovering from a gastroscopy
If you have a gastroscopy without a sedative, you are likely to be able to go home shortly afterwards.
If you have a sedative, you will be monitored until most of the effects of it have worn off. You will need to arrange for someone to accompany you home afterwards, as you should not drive, travel alone on public transport, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or drink alcohol for 24 hours afterwards.
Your throat may be a little sore, and you may feel bloated.
You will be able to eat again shortly after the procedure. The best thing to start with is a cool drink. And you should be able to return to work the following day.
No Gap for a gastroscopy?
Eligible Medibank members could avoid out-of-pocket medical costs for some endoscopy procedures like colonoscopy and gastroscopy with participating surgeons at participating hospitals with our No Gap Endoscopy program.
Terms and conditions apply.
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Sources
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/surgicalbrochures/upper-gi-endoscopy
http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Gastroscopy-endoscopy
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroscopy
http://www.anzgosa.org/endoscopy.html
Things you need to know
# Health Concierge is available to all eligible Medibank members who hold hospital cover. Excludes Overseas Visitor Health Cover, Working Visa Health Cover and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
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While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).