Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look inside your oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

Gastroscopy also known as endoscopy, or OGD (oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy) is done using a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescope called an endoscope. The endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the oesophagus and down towards the stomach.

During the gastroscopy examination, your doctor may spray a local anesthetic into the back of your throat or give you a lozenge to suck to numb the throat area.

If you are having sedation, a small plastic tube (cannula) will be placed in a vein on the back of your hand. The sedative will be injected through the cannula, and you should start to feel relaxed and drowsy almost immediately.

With you resting on your side, your doctor will place a mouth guard over your teeth before carefully putting the endoscope into your mouth. You will be asked to swallow to help the endoscope pass into the oesophagus and down towards the stomach. You should be able to breathe normally during this test. Excess saliva from your mouth will be cleared during the procedure.

Air is then usually pumped through the tube and into the stomach to make it expand and the stomach lining easier to see. Using a camera lens at the end of the endoscope, your doctor will examine the lining of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

If necessary, your doctor will take a biopsy and/or remove polyps. This is done using special instruments passed inside the endoscope, and is quick and painless.

Though the gastroscopy may feel a bit uncomfortable, it should last for about 20 to 30 minutes.

When do you need Gastroscopy?

If you have such as indigestion, upper abdominal pain, vomiting or bleeding, your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy. It is also used to check for certain gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammation, ulcers and early signs of cancer.

A gastroscopy may also be used to confirm the results of other tests - a barium meal, for example.

What are the Risks in Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. For most people, the benefits in terms of having a clear diagnosis are much greater than any disadvantages. However, as with all medical procedures, a gastroscopy carries an element of risk.

Side-effects from gastroscopy are mainly temporary after a successful procedure. They may include:

• A numb mouth and tongue for a few hours as a result of the local anaesthetic spray or lozenge,
• A bloated feeling that may clear up quickly,
• Feeling sleepy as a result of the sedative
• A sore throat for a few hours - sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with salt water can help to ease any discomfort

Complications of gastroscopy are uncommon but some people find that it takes a little while for their heart rate and breathing to settle after a gastroscopy.

In very rare cases, you may perforate the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum during the procedure - this can lead to bleeding and infection, which may require further surgery or treatment with medicines.

Your doctor will be experienced at performing gastroscopies, but even so a few are not successfully completed and may need to be repeated.

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