
Gastroscopy in Melbourne
Gastroscopy is a simple test that allows our doctors to view inside your oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine, and is effective for evaluating symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, reflux, difficulty swallowing or weight loss.After a light anaesthetic is given, a small camera inserted through the mouth with images viewed on a video screen – a far more accurate method than x-ray for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or early cancer.
Gastroscopy Procedure
You will be asleep for a short period of time and will not be aware of the procedure.
Being a safe and precise way of investigating the upper gastro-intestinal tract, Gastroscopy is also used to treat certain conditions, preventing the need for surgery. Strictures (narrowings) can be stretched, polyps can be removed, bleeding lesions can be stopped or prevented, and biopsies can be obtained if a tumour or infection is suspected.
Important
To ensure the safe and effective practice of Gastroscopy, specific preparation of your digestive system is required. If you’ve booked with Direct Endoscopy, please click on the link below and carefully read the preparation information.
Gastroscopy Services in Melbourne
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gastroscopy?
What does a gastroscopy look for?
What can be found in a gastroscopy?
What should I expect with a gastroscopy?
With a gastroscopy, you should expect to undergo a period of fasting prior to the procedure. The exact details on how to prepare for your gastroscopy will be provided by your doctor upon making your gastroscopy appointment.
In a gastroscopy procedure, you will be instructed to lie down on your side and be administered anaesthetic in the form of a sedative injection so you won’t feel any pain. You may also occasionally have numbing spray applied in your throat and a mouthpiece to keep your mouth open during the gastroscopy.
Your doctor will then insert a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to the end (known as an endoscope) into your mouth, down your esophagus, stomach and into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This camera will transmit images onto a video monitor, which your doctor will observe to carry out the gastroscopy. Your doctor will observe any abnormalities and may need to take tissue samples for Helicobacter or any observed abnormalities.
A gastroscopy can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes but can be longer if additional procedures are needed such as taking tissue samples (biopsies).
Because of the anaesthetic, you will initially feel drowsy and should not be driving for the next 24 hours. This is why it is recommended to have someone accompany you to your gastroscopy and take you home after it is finished.
How long do I have to fast before a gastroscopy?
As a guideline, if your gastroscopy is in the morning, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure.
If your gastroscopy is later in the afternoon, it is required that you don’t eat anything 6 hours before your procedure, and don’t drink anything 2-3 hours before your procedure.
However, your doctor will provide you with the exact and more detailed information about your fasting requirements before your gastroscopy procedure.