OUR SERVICES
Gastroscopy
(Upper Endoscopy)
What is a Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy (also known as an upper endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Using a thin, flexible tube called a gastroscope, fitted with a high-definition camera and light, your gastroenterologist can identify abnormalities, take tissue samples (biopsies), and in many cases perform treatment during the same procedure.
Gastroscopy is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as persistent heartburn, reflux, difficulty swallowing, nausea, unexplained weight loss, upper abdominal pain, or to monitor known conditions including Barrett's oesophagus, coeliac disease, and peptic ulcer disease.
Procedure time
15 minutes
Sedation
Anaesthesia
Hospital
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Recovery
Same day
About the Procedure
1. Prepare
Fast for six hours before your procedure.
2. Arrive
Arrive at Greenslopes Private Hospital at your scheduled time for registration.
3. Procedure
You’ll receive sedation. The procedure takes around 15 minutes.
4. Recovery
Rest in our day recovery unit with monitoring until you feel well enough to go home with family or a friend.
5. Results
Your doctor will discuss your results with you and recommend next steps.
PREPARING FOR YOUR GASTROSCOPY
We will provide you with detailed instructions. It’s important that you:
Follow all timing and safety instructions.
Inform our team of all medications you take, particularly blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, or direct oral anticoagulants — your doctor will advise whether these should be paused.
Diabetic patients and those on GLP-1 agonists (such as Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro) should contact GastroConnect for specific medication and dietary guidance ahead of the procedure.
Bring a list of medications and your consent forms to the procedure.
Please contact our team if you have any questions.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?
You will be given sedation to help you relax comfortably.
The endoscope is gently passed through your mouth and into the stomach and small bowel.
Biopsies may be taken if required.
Carbon dioxide is used to inflate the stomach for a clear view.
Your gastroenterologist will discuss the procedure with you.
RISKS & SAFETY
Gastroscopy is a safe procedure when performed by experienced specialists.
Complications are uncommon but can include a sore throat, bloating, bleeding, perforation (rare), and reactions to sedation.
Our team will discuss your medical history and any concerns.
We follow strict safety and infection control standards.
Your gastroenterologist will discuss your individual risk factors.