Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Gastroscopy

3-minute read

What is a gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy, involves using a thin flexible tube (endoscope) to examine the upper digestive tract.

The tube is inserted into the mouth and travels down the food pipe (oesophagus), then into the stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum), to view these areas.

The endoscope contains a light and video camera that transmits images to a monitor, where they can be seen by a doctor.

When is a gastrosopy needed?

Gastroscopy is usually done to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. It can show if there is inflammation, an ulcer or a polyp or other growth.

Sometimes gastroscopy is performed to treat conditions, such as bleeding ulcers, or to widen a narrow oesophagus (known as dilatation), or to remove a foreign body. Doctors can take tissue samples (biopsies) of anything unusual they see, and can remove polyps.

How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?

If you are having a gastroscopy, you will need to have an empty stomach so the doctor can see clearly and so you do not vomit. You should not eat or drink for 6 hours beforehand — your doctor will advise you about the specific details before the procedure. You should also discuss with your doctor when to take any regular medicines, and if you have any allergies or other medical conditions.

What can I expect after the procedure?

If you are having a gastroscopy, you will usually have a light sedation. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You may feel drowsy, and you might feel bloated from air introduced during the examination. You will probably not remember anything about the procedure.

You are usually allowed to eat and drink after the procedure, but you should not drive, travel alone on public transport, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or drink alcohol for the next 24 hours. You should have a friend or relative take you home. You may need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results of your examination or any biopsy results.

Watch the videos below to learn how an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and dilatation are done.


Complications of a gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is a safe procedure and serious complications are rare.

Complications are extremely uncommon, but it is possible for the stomach or bowel to be punctured. This is more likely when the gastroscopy involves a surgical procedure such as the removal of polyps or a biopsy. Bleeding may occur if a blood vessel is accidentally damaged, or the lining of the digestive tract is torn. Such damage may need further surgery to repair. In very rare cases, there may be complications from infection or sedation.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if you have any symptoms that worry you after the gastroscopy, such as:

  • fever
  • worsening pain in your throat, chest or tummy
  • difficulty swallowing

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: January 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Gastroscopy (endoscopy)

Gastroscopy (or endoscopy) is an examination of the oesophagus (gullet or food pipe), stomach and duodenum (upper part of the small bowel) using a flexible telescope called a gastroscope.

Read more on WA Health website

Endoscopy | Cancer Council

What is an endoscopy or gastroscopy? Find out how it helps a diagnosis, what to expect and how can you prepare for it. Find out more here

Read more on Cancer Council Australia website

ANZCA | Anaesthesia for endoscopy

Endoscopy procedures, which include gastroscopy and colonoscopy, are frequently performed as day-stay cases.

Read more on ANZCA – Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists website

Gastroscopy: examination of the upper digestive tract - MyDr.com.au

Gastroscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract (the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum) using an endoscope - a long, thin, flexible tube containing a camera and light.

Read more on myDr website

Endoscopy - MyDr.com.au

Endoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor uses a thin flexible lighted tube inserted into the body to look for, diagnose, treat and prevent disease.

Read more on myDr website

Peptic ulcers: diagnosis and tests - MyDr.com.au

Tests that help diagnose a peptic ulcer include gastroscopy and Helicobacter pylori tests. The best test depends on your age and symptoms. 

Read more on myDr website

Stomach and oesophageal cancer

Information about stomach and oesophageal cancer

Read more on WA Health website

Colonoscopy: examination of the colon - MyDr.com.au

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon (large bowel), using a colonoscope a long, thin, flexible tube containing a camera and a light.

Read more on myDr website

Coeliac disease in children

Coeliac disease is the immune system reacting to gluten, damaging the gut lining. Learn the symptoms and how to test your child to manage the disease.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

ANZCA | About anaesthesia

Most of us will need the care of an anaesthetist at some stage in our lives. We've created this information to help you feel more relaxed about having surgery under anaesthesia.

Read more on ANZCA – Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.