Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is an examination of the Oesophagus, Stomach and Duodenum (upper small intestine), using a lubricated fibreoptic flexible endoscope, also known as a gastroscope.
Gastroscopy is usually performed to investigate difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain/discomfort, reflux, suspected coeliac disease, peptic ulcer disease and iron deficiency or anaemia.
The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and is performed under sedation supervised by a specialist anaesthetist. Biopsies are often taken from the oesophagus, stomach or small bowel as part of the procedure.
