Gastroscopy — oral and nasal endoscopy

What is a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy — also called an endoscopic examination of the stomach — is an investigation in which the doctor passes a thin, flexible endoscope with a small camera down through the oesophagus into the stomach and further into the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). It provides a direct view of the mucosa and allows tissue samples (biopsies) to be taken at the same time.

Gastroscopy provides direct visualisation of the mucosa of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum and allows tissue samples to be taken. The examination can detect, among other things, oesophagitis, ulcers, Barrett's changes and other mucosal changes. A normal gastroscopy does not rule out gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.^[1] The procedure itself typically takes 5–10 minutes.

This page provides general patient information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or recommendation.

Oral or nasal gastroscopy?

Oral gastroscopy

The endoscope is passed through the mouth. We offer local anaesthetic throat spray and, on request, light intravenous sedation so you are relaxed during the procedure.^[3]

Nasal gastroscopy (through the nose)

Transnasal gastroscopy can often be performed without intravenous sedation and typically causes a less pronounced gag reflex. Nasal discomfort and minor nosebleeds can occur, and the examination cannot always be completed through the nose. If no sedative medication was given and the procedure was uncomplicated, you can usually drive afterwards.

Most people experience gastroscopy as unpleasant rather than painful, but the experience varies from person to person.

When is gastroscopy indicated?

Gastroscopy may be relevant following individual medical assessment, for example in the presence of alarm symptoms, difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, or persistent symptoms where the result is expected to affect further treatment.^[2]

• Alarm symptoms may be relevant following medical assessment
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) may be relevant following medical assessment
• Gastrointestinal bleeding may be relevant following medical assessment
• Iron-deficiency anaemia may be relevant following medical assessment
• Persistent symptoms without improvement may be relevant following medical assessment

Preparation

• Fast (no food) for 6 hours before the procedure
• Clear fluids may be consumed up to 2 hours before
• Regular medication may usually be taken with a little water

Medication check before the examination

The following medication must always be reported before booking, or at the latest at the pre-assessment, so you can receive individual instructions:

• Antithrombotic treatment (e.g. anticoagulants or antiplatelets)
• Diabetes medication/insulin
• GLP-1 analogues

Never stop prescribed medication on your own. Any pause or change must follow a concrete, individual instruction from the prescribing or treating doctor.

Tissue samples (biopsies)

The doctor assesses during the procedure whether tissue samples are relevant, based on the appearance of the mucosa and your medical history. If eosinophilic oesophagitis is suspected, biopsies may be relevant even when the mucosa looks normal, as the changes are mainly seen microscopically.

Side effects and sedation

Gastroscopy is a generally safe procedure. After an oral gastroscopy there may be mild throat soreness for a few hours. Serious complications (bleeding, perforation) are rare.^[3] After intravenous sedation the same rule always applies: no driving, cycling, operating machinery, alcohol or legally binding decisions for 24 hours, and you need an adult to accompany you home. Always follow the clinic's specific instructions.

Contact the clinic or seek emergency medical care for severe or worsening chest/abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fever, vomiting blood or black stools.

Joined-up pathway

At EndoCap the examination and any biopsies are performed the same day. You receive a preliminary verbal report the same day, but if biopsies were taken, the final assessment awaits the pathology report, which typically takes a few days. A written report with a treatment plan is sent as soon as possible thereafter. The clinic is led by a consultant surgeon, so diagnostics and follow-up are handled in one place. Some findings may require onward referral to hospital or another relevant specialty.

Book your gastroscopy