A Gastroscopy is a test to check inside your throat, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach, known as the upper part of your digestive system. Gastroscopy is usually done to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, or difficultyswallowing. It can show if there is inflammation, an ulcer or a polyp or other growth.
Why do I need a gastroscopy?
You might have a gastroscopy to find out the cause of symptoms such as:
Abnormal bleeding
Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away with medicines or keeps coming back
Low levels of iron (iron deficiency anaemia)
Difficulty or painful swallowing
Losing weight without trying to
You keep feeling or being sick
Having blood in your sick
Blood in your poo or passing black poo
If you have Barrett's oesophagus you'll have regular gastroscopies. This is to check for any changes to cells in the lining of your food pipe. During the test your endoscopist takes samples (biopsies) of any abnormal looking areas. They send the samples to the laboratory to be looked at under a microscope.
Preparing for your gastroscopy
You might have blood tests beforehand to check your blood levels and how well your blood clots.
Tell your doctor if you're taking medicines that changes how your blood clots. This includes:
Warfarin or heparin
Aspirin
Clopidogrel
Apixaban or rivaroxaban
Ticagrelor
Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop taking these or any other medicines for a while before your gastroscopy. You can't eat for 6 hours before the test, but you might be able to drink sips of water up to 2 hours beforehand. Your doctor or nurse gives you written instructions about this before your appointment.
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.
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