Gastroscopy: What to Expect Before, During and After the Test

TL;DR: A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) takes a thin, flexible tube with a small camera through the mouth to look at the food pipe, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Most people go home the same day. Arrange a companion to take you home if you have sedation, and get urgent help if you vomit blood, pass black stools or have severe chest or abdominal pain afterwards.

The Short Answer

A gastroscopy is a short, common test. It lets a gastroenterologist see the lining of the upper digestive tract directly and take a small tissue sample (a biopsy) if needed. It is usually done as a day-case, so you arrive, have the test, rest for a short time and go home. The procedure itself often takes about 5 to 15 minutes, though the whole visit is longer because of the preparation and recovery time.

This article is general education. It is not medical advice. Your doctor decides whether a gastroscopy is needed for you.

Why It Is Done

Doctors usually recommend a gastroscopy when symptoms or test results point to a problem in the upper gut. Common reasons include:

The test can find inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, polyps and early changes that need monitoring. It can also show that nothing serious is present, which is a useful answer in itself.

Before the Test

Your doctor or the clinic gives written instructions. In general:

What Happens During the Test

1. You are asked to change into a gown and lie on your left side on the examination couch.

2. A nurse may place a small drip in your arm. This is used if you are given a sedative.

3. Your throat may be numbed with a spray or gel. This reduces the gag reflex and makes the tube easier to pass.

4. A mouthpiece is placed gently between your teeth. The endoscope is passed slowly through the mouth, into the food pipe and down to the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

5. Air or water may be passed through the tube to open the lining, so the doctor can see clearly. This can cause a feeling of fullness or wanting to burp.

6. If an area looks abnormal, small tissue samples can be taken. Taking a biopsy does not cause significant pain, though you may feel a brief pinch.

Some people stay awake and aware throughout, with only throat numbing. Others have a sedative that makes them drowsy and often unable to recall the test. Your doctor will explain which option suits your case and any risks linked to it.

Recovery and Going Home

After the test you rest until the sedative wears off and the throat numbness fades. Common, usually mild effects include:

Until the effects of sedation have worn off, do not drive, sign important papers, operate machinery or make big decisions. Do not drink alcohol that day. Wait until your throat numbness has gone before you eat or drink, so you do not choke. Then start with small sips and light food.

The doctor usually explains what the camera showed before you leave. If a biopsy was taken, the sample goes to a laboratory, and the result can take several days to a few weeks. Make sure you know when and how you will receive it.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Get urgent medical help, or call emergency services, if you have any of these after a gastroscopy:

Mention that you have had a gastroscopy to whoever treats you. Do not wait to see if the symptoms pass.

Common Questions

Will it hurt? Most people describe discomfort rather than pain. The throat numbing and, if used, the sedative are there to make it easier. Tell the team at once if you feel uncomfortable during the test.

Is it different from a colonoscopy? Yes. A gastroscopy looks at the upper gut through the mouth. A colonoscopy looks at the large bowel through the back passage, and needs a separate bowel preparation. The two tests are sometimes done together.

Can I eat after it? Usually yes, once the throat numbness has gone and you are fully awake. Your doctor may give other advice if a biopsy was taken or a treatment was started.

Do I need a gastroscopy every year? Not usually. How often you need a repeat depends on what was found and on your symptoms. Your doctor will give a timeline.

Consultations

Consultations for gastroenterology and endoscopy are available at Krisara Gastro & Liver Clinic, Kompally, and at Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad. To book or ask a question, visit the [contact page](/contact).

Sources

This article is general education and not medical advice. Speak to a qualified doctor about your own symptoms, tests and treatment.