What is a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy, also called upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or OGD, uses a flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It may help investigate swallowing difficulty, bleeding or selected persistent upper digestive symptoms. Small tissue samples may be taken when appropriate.
Preparation and choices
Follow the center’s fasting instructions and disclose medicines, allergies, pregnancy and significant medical conditions. Ask whether throat spray, sedation or another approach is planned and whether you need a companion. Do not stop blood thinners or adjust diabetes treatment without individual advice.
Benefits, limitations and risks
A gastroscopy can identify abnormalities and guide further care, but it cannot explain every digestive symptom. Risks include reactions to medicines, bleeding and perforation; the relevant risk depends on the patient and any treatment performed. Discuss alternatives and the possibility of further investigations before consenting.
Results and aftercare
Ask about the visual findings, whether biopsies were taken and how their results will be reviewed. Follow discharge advice about eating, medicines, driving and activity. Severe or worsening pain, fever, breathing difficulty, vomiting blood or significant bleeding needs urgent assessment.
Make a practical plan
Keep the procedure report and bring it to later appointments. Confirm who will contact you about outstanding tests rather than assuming that no news means a normal result. Reception can explain arrangements, but the clinical team must decide whether gastroscopy is the right test for you.
Request an assessment · Endoscopy services · NHS gastroscopy information. General information only; follow your own preparation and discharge instructions.