Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy)

upper endoscopy · OGD · EGD · camera test for the stomach

The doctor looks at your food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel with a thin, flexible tube with a camera, passed through your mouth.

For heartburn, belly pain, anemia, a possible ulcer, gastritis, or Helicobacter infection, and to take a biopsy.

⏱ Duration: the test itself takes 5 to 15 minutes

Be sure to tell your doctor

If you take blood thinners. They may need a short change. The doctor decides
If you have diabetes
Allergy to lidocaine or other numbing medicines
If you are pregnant
If you want to be asleep. This is a separate service

How to prepare

Food. No food for 8 hours. The evening before, have a light dinner with no alcohol.
Water. Water is usually fine until 2 to 4 hours before the test. Check with your clinic.
In the morning. Do not smoke or chew gum. It makes your stomach produce more acid.

What to bring

Your referral
Past gastroscopy reports
A towel or pad, if your clinic asks

How it goes

You take out removable dentures and take off glasses
Your throat is sprayed with a numbing spray
You lie on your left side, and a plastic mouth guard goes between your teeth
The doctor passes the tube, you swallow once, and then it moves on by itself
Breathe calmly through your nose. Do not swallow your saliva. It is suctioned away
Sometimes a tiny tissue sample is taken. This does not hurt
The tube is taken out

What you'll feel

Gagging at the start is normal. Steady breathing through your nose helps
A full, bloated feeling from the air
Usually no pain

Afterwards

Do not eat or drink for 30 to 60 minutes, until your throat is no longer numb
A slightly sore throat may last until evening
You get the report right away. Biopsy results usually take 1 to 2 weeks

Contact a doctor straight away if

Severe chest or belly pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or a high fever: see a doctor right away or call emergency services

Common questions

Can I be asleep for a gastroscopy?

Yes, with sedation. Then you cannot drive for the rest of the day, and someone needs to take you home.

Does swallowing the tube hurt?

It does not hurt, but the first few seconds are unpleasant. Calm breathing through your nose helps.