Gastroscopy Perth

What to know before having a gastroscopy

When stomach or reflux symptoms need a closer look

As a general surgeon in Perth, I see people for gastroscopy when they have reflux, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, low iron, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding symptoms such as black bowel motions. Sometimes the symptoms have been there for a long time. Sometimes tablets help a bit, but the problem keeps coming back.

A gastroscopy helps us stop guessing and actually look inside. It can show whether there is inflammation, an ulcer, narrowing, bleeding, or another reason for your symptoms.

A gastroscopy is a very common test, but I know it can still make people nervous. The idea of a camera going through the mouth sounds uncomfortable. Many people worry they will gag, choke, or feel everything. That is usually the main fear. Please tell me if you are worried. Part of my job is to explain what will happen, how sedation is usually used, what you may feel afterwards, and what the risks are, so you know what to expect before the day.

What is a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a test where I use a long, thin, flexible camera to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small bowel.

The camera has a light at the end, and I can see the lining of these areas on a screen. A gastroscopy can be used to check for inflammation, ulcers, reflux damage, narrowing, bleeding, infection, coeliac disease, and other problems.

During the same procedure, I can take small samples, called biopsies. A biopsy does not mean cancer. It simply means we are sending a tiny piece of tissue to the laboratory so it can be checked properly.

Why might you need a gastroscopy?

You may be referred for a gastroscopy if you have:

  • Ongoing reflux or heartburn
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain high in the abdomen
  • Nausea or vomiting that keeps coming back
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Low iron or anaemia
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black bowel motions
  • Suspected ulcer disease
  • Possible coeliac disease
  • Symptoms that have not improved with usual treatment

Not every stomach symptom means something serious. Many people have reflux, gastritis, food-related symptoms, or irritation from medications. But if symptoms are ongoing, changing, or concerning, it is better to look properly.

Do you need to prepare for a gastroscopy?

Yes, we will ask you to fast. Your stomach needs to be empty so I can see clearly and so the procedure can be done more safely.

You will be told when to stop eating and drinking before the test. You may also get instructions about your usual medications, especially if you take blood thinners, diabetes medication, or reflux medication.

If there is food sitting in the stomach, the view may be poor and the procedure may need to be delayed or repeated. So fasting is important, even though there is no bowel prep.

What happens on the day?

On the day of your gastroscopy, you will change into a hospital gown and be taken into the procedure room.

You are usually given sedation, or anaesthesia depending on the setting, through a small needle in your hand or arm. This helps you stay comfortable. Many people remember very little afterwards, but this can vary from person to person.

A small mouthguard is placed between your teeth to protect the camera and your teeth. The camera then passes gently through the mouth, down the food pipe, into the stomach, and then into the first part of the small bowel.

It does not go into the lungs. You can still breathe. The camera goes down the same pathway that food takes when you swallow.

A small amount of air or carbon dioxide may be used to open the stomach slightly so I can see the lining properly. I look carefully for inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, bleeding, polyps, or anything unusual. If I need to take biopsies, I can usually do this during the same procedure.

The test itself is usually fairly quick and only takes about 15min, but you will spend extra time in recovery while the sedation wears off.  

Risks of gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is common and generally safe, but it is still a medical procedure, so there are risks.

These can include sore throat, bloating, reaction to sedation, bleeding, infection, missed findings, damage to teeth or dental work, and very rarely a tear in the oesophagus, stomach or small bowel. If a tear happens, further treatment or surgery may be needed.

Before your gastroscopy, I will talk through the risks that apply to you. The risk is not the same for everyone. It can depend on your age, medical history, medications, and whether any treatment is done during the procedure.

After the gastroscopy

After the procedure, you rest in recovery while the sedation wears off. Your throat may feel a bit scratchy. You may also feel bloated or burp because of the air used during the test.

In most cases, I can tell you on the day what I saw during the gastroscopy. For example, I can explain whether there was reflux inflammation, gastritis, an ulcer, a narrowing, or anything that needed a biopsy.

If I took biopsies, the samples are sent to the laboratory. The final results usually take a few days. So on the day, I can explain the procedure findings, but some answers may need to wait until the pathology report is back.

You will need someone to take you home, and you should not drive for the rest of the day or as advised by the hospital or day surgery.  

Before you leave, you will be given instructions about eating, drinking, medications, driving, and what symptoms to watch for. If you have fever, trouble swallowing, increasing chest or abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or feel very unwell after going home, you should seek urgent medical advice.

Seeing a general surgeon for gastroscopy in Perth

If you have ongoing reflux, upper abdominal pain, nausea, trouble swallowing, low iron, or symptoms that are worrying you, a gastroscopy may be part of working out what is going on.

At Perth Obesity Solutions, I will take time to understand your symptoms, review your referral and results, and explain whether gastroscopy is the right next step. My approach is simple: clear information, no rushed explanation, and no making the process more difficult than it needs to be.