Gastroscopy

Overview

A gastroscopy is a short procedure that lets a doctor look inside your food pipe (oesophagus), your stomach, and the first part of your small bowel. It uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. It is sometimes called an upper endoscopy. A gastroscopy can help find the cause of symptoms, take small tissue samples, and sometimes treat problems such as bleeding.

Yes. Gastroscopy is a very common test. Doctors use it to check many different stomach and food pipe symptoms.

It can be done at any age, but it is most often used in adults with ongoing indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, swallowing problems, or signs of bleeding. Children may have it too if a doctor thinks it is needed.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Heartburn or indigestion that keeps coming back
• Pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly
• Feeling sick or being sick now and then
• Trouble swallowing or a feeling that food sticks
• Feeling full very quickly when eating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Low iron levels or anaemia found on a blood test

Symptoms in children

• Feeding problems or poor weight gain
• Frequent vomiting or stomach pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Blood in vomit or black stools
• Swallowing a harmful object or something that does not pass

Symptoms in older adults

• New or changing swallowing problems
• Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
• Anaemia or tiredness caused by low iron
• Stomach pain that does not settle
• Black stools or signs of bleeding

Causes

Main causes

• To find the cause of ongoing heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
• To check for bleeding, ulcers, or anaemia
• To look into swallowing problems or a narrowing of the food pipe
• To take tissue samples from the stomach or food pipe
• To check a known condition, such as Barrett's oesophagus (a change in the lining of the food pipe)
• To treat some problems, such as stopping bleeding or widening a narrow area

Risk factors

• Long-standing heartburn or reflux
• Smoking
• Drinking a lot of alcohol
• A family history of stomach or food pipe cancer
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (a common stomach bacterium)
• Older age
• Long-term use of certain pain relievers that can irritate the stomach

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You are vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Your stools are black and tarry
• You have severe or worsening belly pain
• You cannot swallow liquids
• You have unexplained weight loss or ongoing trouble swallowing

Book a routine appointment if:

• Heartburn or indigestion that lasts more than a few weeks
• Stomach pain or nausea that keeps coming back
• A blood test shows low iron or anaemia
• You have a family history of stomach or food pipe cancer
• Your doctor wants to check a known stomach or food pipe condition

Diagnosis

A gastroscopy is itself the main test. The doctor looks directly at the lining of your food pipe, stomach, and small bowel. They may take small tissue samples, called biopsies, to check for inflammation, infection, or other changes.

Tests that may be done

• Gastroscopy with a tiny camera
• Biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is taken for testing
• A test for Helicobacter pylori, using a breath or stool sample
• Blood tests to check for anaemia or low iron
• Stool tests if there is bleeding or infection
• Imaging scans if more information is needed

What to expect at your appointment

You will usually be asked not to eat for several hours before the test. You may have a throat spray to numb your throat, or medicine to help you relax. You lie on your side while the thin tube is gently passed through your mouth. It can feel strange, but it is not usually painful. The procedure often takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will rest for a short time afterwards. If you had sedation, you will need someone to take you home and should not drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day. Some results may be ready the same day, but biopsy results can take longer.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the gastroscopy finds. Many people have nothing serious, and the test helps rule out problems. If a condition is found, your doctor will explain the options and make a plan with you.

Self-care at home

• Follow the instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before the test
• Arrange for someone to take you home if you are having sedation
• Rest for the day if you feel sleepy or woozy after sedation
• Start eating and drinking gently when you are told it is safe
• Contact your doctor if you have ongoing pain, bleeding, or trouble swallowing afterwards

Medical treatments

If a problem is found, treatment may include medicines to reduce stomach acid, treatment for a stomach infection, iron supplements if you are low in iron, or procedures through the endoscope to stop bleeding or widen a narrow area. Your doctor will discuss what is suitable for you. They will not recommend a specific medicine until they know what is causing your symptoms.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only needed for a small number of problems, such as severe bleeding that cannot be controlled, a hole in the stomach or food pipe, or some growths. Most people do not need surgery after a gastroscopy.

Living with this condition

Most people feel back to normal within a day. You may have a slightly sore throat, mild bloating, or a tickly cough for a short time. If you had sedation, plan a quiet day and let someone else drive. Ask your doctor when you can return to work or normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking, and get help to quit if you can
• Limit alcohol
• Eat regular meals and avoid large meals late at night
• Keep to a healthy weight
• Manage stress in ways that work for you
• Take medicines only as advised by your doctor or pharmacist

Diet and exercise

There is no single diet that suits everyone after a gastroscopy. If you have reflux or indigestion, smaller meals and avoiding very fatty or spicy foods may help. Regular movement, such as walking, supports digestion and general health. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need advice about food and medicines.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for a test or results can feel worrying. It is okay to feel anxious. Talking to a friend, family member, or your doctor can help. If you feel overwhelmed, contact your doctor or a local mental health service. If you are in immediate danger or thinking of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or a crisis service straight away.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for a gastroscopy in every case. But looking after your stomach and food pipe health may lower the chance of some problems. This includes managing long-term heartburn, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and keeping to a healthy weight.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents the need for a gastroscopy. Some stomach infections spread through food and water, so good hygiene and safe food handling are helpful.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for stomach cancer is not offered in most countries. If you have a strong family history of stomach or food pipe cancer, or long-standing reflux, talk to your doctor about whether any checks are right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• If symptoms that need checking are ignored, an ulcer or bleeding could get worse
• Ongoing bleeding can lead to anaemia and tiredness
• A narrowing in the food pipe can make swallowing harder
• Some serious conditions may be found later than they could have been

Long-term outlook

Gastroscopy is generally very safe, and serious complications are rare. Most people get clear answers or reassurance. If something is found, many stomach and food pipe conditions can be treated or managed well. Your doctor will support you through the next steps.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.