Gastroscopy 

What is a Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is an upper endoscopy.  This procedure enables your doctor to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, i.e. the oesophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) for any abnormalities more accurately than x-ray.

Some people may know this procedure as “the camera down the throat”.

Why is a gastroscopy performed?

Upper endoscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.  It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper endoscopy is usually more accurate than x-rays for detecting inflammation, ulcers or tumours of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Upper endoscopy can detect early cancer and can distinguish between benign and malignant (cancer) conditions by performing biopsies (taking small tissue samples) of suspicious areas.  Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected.

If narrowed areas are found, these may be treated by stretching up with a dilator passed down the endoscope.  If small growths (polyps) are found, these may be removed during the procedure.

Gastroscopy Brochure