Gastroscopy is a surgery to examine the upper digestive tract; this includes the gullet, stomach and duodenum. Using a flexible endoscope that usually passes through the patient’s mouth, the doctor can check if there is any inflammation, ulcer or tumor in the tract, remove polyps or take a sample of the lining for testing. It is effective in the diagnosis of diseases like gastritis, gastric ulcers, esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, esophageal cancer, H. Pylori infection and duodenal ulcers.

You should consult your doctor whether you need a gastroscopy if you have symptoms such as :

• persistent pain in the upper abdomen
• difficulty swallowing
• acid reflux or heartburn
• signs of digestive tract bleeding, e.g. tarry stool    

To allow the doctor a clear view through the endoscope, please do not eat for at least 6 hours before the surgery.

You also need to sign a consent form to confirm that you understand the surgery and risks involved as explained by your doctor. You must inform your doctor if you have any chronic illness, drug allergy, or are taking any regular medication.    

General anaesthesia is not necessary for diagnostic gastroscopy. The doctor may spray a local anaesthestic at the back of the throat, and inject you with a sedative through the vein. Monitored anaesthetic care (MAC) may be required for fragile elderly, young kids or teens. People used to alcoholic drinks or sleeping pills or those request absolute amnesia of the surgery may need MAC as well.

The endoscope is a thin tube-like instrument with fibreoptics, which the doctor will gently pass through the back of your mouth into your gullet. During the surgery, the doctor might pump in air for a better view. The whole surgery takes 5-10 minutes only if no major abnormality is found.

You may need a short rest of 1-2 hours, depending on the dose of sedative. Therefore, we suggest you have an adult accompany when you leave the clinic. Also you should not drive or consume alcohol for 24 hours afterwards.

It is normal to feel mild discomfort in the throat and abdomen, but it usually disappears in 1-2 days.  

Gastroscopy is a generally safe surgery with low risk. Possible complications include reaction to the sedative, internal bleeding, tearing or rupturing of the lining of the digestive tract; such cases are rare.