About the procedure
Gastroscopy is an examination of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using an endoscope—a flexible tube with a small camera at its tip that is inserted through the mouth and throat and passed down into the esophagus and stomach.
The procedure takes only a few minutes, and patients may receive either local anesthesia (to numb the throat) or general anesthesia.
The right candidates
Gastroscopy is recommended in cases of persistent abdominal pain or pronounced symptoms such as heartburn, belching, dark blood in the stool, vomiting blood, chronic cough, or throat pain. It also monitors previously diagnosed conditions such as gastric ulcers, polyps, or reflux. Gastroscopy may also be performed preventively, especially if there is a family history of stomach cancer.
Preparing for the procedure
For gastroscopy, the patient must arrive on an empty stomach.
This means no food should be consumed for at least 6 hours before the procedure, and no liquids should be taken in the last 2 hours.
Patients taking medication for high blood pressure or heart conditions should continue their regular therapy. However, those on anticoagulant therapy may need to withhold certain medications, depending on the type, in agreement with their general practitioner.
It is recommended to come to the appointment with an escort, primarily when the procedure is performed under anesthesia.
Details about the procedure
The gastroscope is a flexible tube with a camera at its tip. It is carefully inserted through the mouth, passing through the esophagus into the stomach. During the procedure, the patient lies on their left side with their head slightly tilted forward to allow easier instrument passage. If the doctor notices any suspicious areas, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for further analysis.
Post-gastroscopy advice
After gastroscopy, when local anesthesia is used to numb the throat, patients should not eat or drink for at least one hour—or until the normal sensation returns—to prevent choking. If the procedure was performed under general anesthesia, rest is advised for the remainder of the day, and avoiding driving or making important decisions is recommended. Mild discomfort such as throat irritation, belching, or bloating may occur but usually resolves within 24 hours. Contact your doctor immediately if more severe symptoms appear—such as significant pain, vomiting blood, or a high fever.
