What is a gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract using an endoscope — a long, thin, flexible tube containing a camera and a light — to view the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

 

Why is a gastroscopy done?

A gastroscopy is usually done to investigate the cause of abdominal pain, vomiting or bleeding from the digestive tract, and to make or confirm a diagnosis. Conditions can sometimes be treated via gastroscopy — for example, polyps can be removed.

 

What are the risks of a gastroscopy?

Very few people experience serious side effects from gastroscopy. You may have a slightly sore throat after the procedure. Air may also be trapped in your stomach causing you to feel bloated. If a biopsy has been taken or treatment performed, there may be minor bleeding. Very rarely, the stomach lining may be torn, and in such cases you would be admitted to hospital and an operation would be performed to repair it.