Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy (or endoscopy) is an examination of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and duodenum (upper part of the small bowel) using a flexible instrument called a gastroscope. The gastroscope is a flexible tube with an HD camera which allows us to clearly see your GI tract.

When necessary, during the examination, a number of small procedures can also be carried out.

These procedures may include:

– taking a small tissue sample (biopsy)*

– stopping bleeding from an ulcer

– removal of polyps.

The gastroscopy lasts approximately 5-10 minutes, but generally speaking, you will be at our clinic for about two hours. This time includes the filling of consent forms, patient history, consultation with our team, the procedure, and lastly, time in our recovery area where you will be monitored by a nurse.

Before beginning the procedure, you will be able to discuss whether or not you have chosen to receive conscious sedation. We will then spray your throat with a numbing agent in order to freeze the back of your throat followed by a sedative administered intravenously, if you have chosen so. Patients who undergo sedation must be monitored by a nurse following the procedure.

At the end of the procedure, you will meet with the doctor in order to receive your report. If you wish, the report may also be faxed or emailed to any referring physicians.

The preparation for a gastroscopy can be found here.

*Please note that it can take about 4-6 weeks to receive the results of any biopsies taken during your procedure.