Understanding Gastroscopy
If you’ve been advised to have a gastroscopy (also called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or OGD – oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy), it’s natural to have questions.
A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look directly at your oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is the gold-standard test for diagnosing many upper digestive conditions.
Your doctor may recommend it if you have:
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained chest or abdominal pain
- Anaemia or unexplained weight loss
- Nausea, vomiting, or signs of bleeding
Gastroscopy is also essential for ongoing care, such as:
- Checking the valve after antireflux surgery
- Monitoring Barrett’s oesophagus for early changes
- Reviewing healing and anatomy after bariatric surgery (e.g. bypass, sleeve gastrectomy)
- Assessing gastric bands or balloons
- Investigating ulcers, strictures (narrowings), or suspected cancer
What Happens During the Procedure
Here’s what you can expect step by step:
- You’ll lie on your side with a soft mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. Most patients also have a light sedative to help them relax.
- The endoscope is gently passed through your mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- The doctor will carefully examine the lining and may take small biopsies (painless samples).
- If needed, treatment can be done at the same time — for example, stopping bleeding or stretching a narrowing.
The procedure usually lasts just 10–15 minutes. After a short recovery, you’ll be able to go home the same day.
In rare cases, the test cannot be completed due to discomfort or unexpected findings. If that happens and the test is essential, it can be repeated under more profound sedation or a short general anaesthetic, or alternative scans may be arranged.
Safety and Risks
Gastroscopy is a very safe procedure. Most people only notice a sore throat, mild bloating, or temporary drowsiness afterwards.
From international data:
- Perforation (tear in the gut wall): extremely rare — about 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 50,000 procedures
- Bleeding: uncommon (well under 1%), usually only if biopsies are taken
- Heart or breathing complications: between 0.01% and 1.1%, mainly in patients with significant pre-existing health conditions
Even with these very low risks, procedures are always carried out with careful monitoring and strict safety standards.
Experience and Expertise
Within our multidisciplinary team at RCG Health, gastroscopies are carried out by consultant surgeon Mr Ricardo Camprodon, who has extensive experience with both straightforward and complex cases.
Between 2019 and 2025, he has performed over 2,600 upper GI endoscopies, including:
- Routine tests for reflux, indigestion, and anaemia
- Surveillance for Barrett’s oesophagus
- Post-surgery assessments (antireflux, bariatric)
- Procedures related to gastric bands and intragastric balloons
This experience means you can feel confident that your procedure is both safe and accurate, whatever your needs.
What You Can Expect as a Patient
- Before: your medical history is reviewed, and the procedure is explained clearly.
- During: sedation and throat spray keep you comfortable while the gastroscopy is carried out.
- Afterwards: you’ll rest for a short while before going home the same day.
- Follow-up: findings are explained straight away, and biopsy results are reviewed with you later.
Why Patients Feel Reassured
Gastroscopy can sound daunting, but it is one of the safest and most effective ways to investigate upper digestive symptoms. You can feel reassured that:
- The procedure is quick (10–15 minutes) and consultant-led.
- Sedation and throat spray make it comfortable and reduce the gag reflex.
- Specialist pathologists analyse biopsies.
- If the test cannot be completed, alternatives or deeper sedation options are available.
- Results directly guide safe, personalised treatment.
At RCG Health, the focus is on clear answers, comfort, and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Most patients have throat spray and light sedation, so you’ll be drowsy but not fully asleep. Occasionally, more profound sedation or a short general anaesthetic may be used.
Is a gastroscopy painful?
No. You may feel mild pressure or bloating, but sedation and throat spray make it tolerable. It only takes 10–15 minutes.
How long will I be at the hospital?
It’s a day-case procedure. Including recovery time, you can usually go home within 2–3 hours.
Can I eat and drink afterwards?
Yes, once the throat numbing wears off (about 30–60 minutes). After sedation, a light meal is usually best on the same day.
When can I drive again?
If you’ve had sedation, you cannot drive, operate machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours. Please arrange for someone to take you home. If you didn’t have sedation, you can resume normal activities straight away.
What are the risks?
Most patients only notice a sore throat or mild bloating. Rare risks include bleeding (under 1%) or perforation (1 in 25,000–50,000).
What if my gastroscopy cannot be completed?
This is uncommon. If needed, scans can be arranged, or the test repeated under deeper sedation or anaesthetic.
When will I get my results?
Your doctor will usually explain the findings on the day. Biopsy results take a few days and are discussed at your follow-up appointment.
