Gastroscopy
What is a Gastroscopy?
Overview
Gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It helps diagnose conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, coeliac disease, and tumours, and can involve biopsies for further testing. Performed under deep sedation (not general anaesthesia), the procedure is typically quick and causes minimal discomfort.
It is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as:
Indigestion
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Difficulty swallowing
Gastroscopy is the most effective diagnostic tool for upper gastrointestinal conditions. It also allows for tissue sampling and offers therapeutic options like:
Polyp removal
Dilatation (stretching narrow areas)
Treatment of bleeding or lesions
Preparation for Gastroscopy
Fasting: Do not eat food or drink milky/cloudy liquids for at least 6 hours before the procedure. Clear fluids (e.g., water, apple juice, black tea) are allowed up to 2 hours before the procedure.
Special Instructions:
If you are taking MOUNJARO, or WEGOVY, follow a liquid diet 24 hours prior to your procedure.
If you are diabetic or taking blood-thinning medications (Aspirin is fine), please inform our staff.
YOUR RECOVERY
After the Procedure
You will be monitored until the sedation wears off. Mild throat soreness and bloating due to air introduced during the procedure are common.
Eating: You can eat normally unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Results: Preliminary results may be shared on the same day, but biopsy results will take a few days.
Important Safety Instructions:
Due to the sedation, do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol on the day of the procedure.
It is recommended that a friend or family member accompany you home.
Recovery Time: Full recovery is expected by the following day.
Leonda Gastroenterology Melbourne
With Dr Linda Yang’s expertise and our modern facilities, you can be assured of receiving excellent, high-quality gastroenterology care.