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Gastroscopy and Endoscopy Explained: What to Expect Before, During and After

By 29/04/2026May 1st, 2026No Comments

If your GP has referred you for a gastroscopy or endoscopy, it is normal to feel unsure about what the procedure involves. Many patients hear the word “endoscopy” and worry that it sounds complicated or invasive. Others are not sure whether gastroscopy and endoscopy mean the same thing.

In simple terms, a gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy used to examine the upper part of the digestive system. This includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small bowel. The procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera to allow a specialist to look directly at the lining of these areas.

A gastroscopy may be recommended to investigate symptoms such as reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, anaemia, suspected ulcers or possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It can also help diagnose conditions such as gastritis, oesophagitis, coeliac disease, Barrett’s oesophagus and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Direct Endoscopy provides gastroscopy in Melbourne across multiple locations, including Frankston, Hampton, Bayswater, Narre Warren and Rosebud. This guide explains what gastroscopy is, why it may be recommended, how to prepare, what happens during the procedure and what to expect afterwards.

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What is gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the upper digestive tract. It is also called upper endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The procedure uses a gastroscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end.

During the procedure, the gastroscope is gently passed through the mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Images are displayed on a screen so the specialist can carefully examine the lining of the upper digestive system.

Healthdirect’s gastroscopy guide explains that gastroscopy is also known as upper endoscopy and is used to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel.

Gastroscopy is commonly performed as a day procedure. In most cases, patients receive sedation or anaesthesia to keep them comfortable during the procedure.

Gastroscopy vs endoscopy: what is the difference?

Endoscopy is a broad term. It refers to medical procedures that use a camera to look inside the body. Gastroscopy is one specific type of endoscopy.

In digestive health, the word endoscopy may refer to several different procedures. A gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract. A colonoscopy examines the large bowel and rectum. A capsule endoscopy uses a swallowable camera capsule to examine the small bowel.

This is why patients sometimes hear the terms gastroscopy and endoscopy used together. A doctor may say “gastroscopy”, “upper endoscopy” or simply “endoscopy” when referring to the same upper digestive tract procedure.

Healthdirect’s information on endoscopy explains that an endoscopy gives doctors a direct view of internal organs using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the tip.

What part of the body does a gastroscopy examine?

A gastroscopy examines the upper gastrointestinal tract. This usually includes three main areas: the oesophagus, the stomach and the duodenum.

The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Problems in this area may cause symptoms such as reflux, heartburn, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck.

The stomach is where food is mixed with acid and digestive juices. Problems in the stomach may cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness, bleeding, ulcers or inflammation.

The duodenum is the first part of the small bowel. It can be affected by ulcers, inflammation, coeliac disease and other conditions. During a gastroscopy, your specialist can view this area and take biopsies if needed.

Your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy when your symptoms, medical history, blood tests or previous investigations suggest that the upper digestive tract should be examined more closely.

Some symptoms can be managed initially with lifestyle changes, medication or monitoring. However, if symptoms are persistent, severe, recurrent, unexplained or associated with warning signs, your doctor may recommend gastroscopy to investigate further.

A gastroscopy can help your doctor see inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, bleeding, abnormal tissue or other changes that may not be visible on routine tests. It can also allow biopsies to be taken for laboratory testing.

If your GP has referred you for gastroscopy, it is usually because they want a clearer view of the upper digestive tract and a more accurate explanation for your symptoms.

Symptoms that may be investigated with gastroscopy

Gastroscopy may be recommended for a range of upper digestive symptoms. These symptoms do not always mean there is a serious condition, but they may need proper assessment if they are ongoing, worsening or unexplained.

Symptoms that may lead to gastroscopy include:

  • Persistent reflux or heartburn
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain or discomfort when swallowing
  • Food feeling stuck after swallowing
  • Ongoing upper abdominal pain
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black, tar-like stools that may suggest bleeding
  • Persistent bloating or early fullness after eating

These symptoms can have many causes. Gastroscopy helps your doctor assess the lining of the upper digestive system directly rather than relying on symptoms alone.

Conditions that gastroscopy can help diagnose

Gastroscopy can help diagnose a number of upper gastrointestinal conditions. The findings depend on what your specialist sees during the procedure and whether biopsies are taken.

Gastroscopy may help diagnose or assess:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, also known as GORD
  • Oesophagitis, or inflammation of the oesophagus
  • Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining
  • Stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers
  • Coeliac disease
  • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Barrett’s oesophagus
  • Hiatus hernia
  • Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Narrowing or strictures of the oesophagus
  • Polyps or abnormal tissue in the upper digestive tract

In some cases, the lining may look normal but biopsies are still taken to check for microscopic conditions. This is one reason gastroscopy can be useful even when symptoms are not obvious from the outside.

Can biopsies be taken during gastroscopy?

Yes. Biopsies can be taken during gastroscopy if your specialist needs to test a small tissue sample. A biopsy is a tiny sample of tissue taken from the lining of the digestive tract and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Biopsies may be taken to check for conditions such as coeliac disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, inflammation, Barrett’s oesophagus or abnormal tissue. Taking a biopsy during gastroscopy is common and does not necessarily mean cancer is suspected.

Because the lining of the digestive tract does not feel pain in the same way as skin, patients usually do not feel biopsies being taken during the procedure, especially when sedation is used.

Your doctor will explain if biopsies were taken and when results are expected. If pathology results are needed, final results may not be available immediately on the day of the procedure.

How to prepare for a gastroscopy

Preparation for gastroscopy is usually simpler than preparation for colonoscopy. You generally do not need bowel preparation for gastroscopy, but you do need to fast so the stomach is empty for the procedure.

It is important to follow the preparation instructions provided by the clinic. Incorrect preparation can affect the safety or success of the procedure. For example, eating too close to the procedure may increase risk and may mean the procedure needs to be delayed or rescheduled.

Direct Endoscopy provides a dedicated gastroscopy preparation page with instructions for patients. These instructions should be followed carefully unless your doctor or the clinic gives you different advice.

If you have diabetes, take blood thinners, are pregnant, have significant heart or lung disease, or take regular medications, tell your doctor and the clinic before the procedure. You may need specific instructions.

Fasting before gastroscopy

Fasting is required before gastroscopy because the stomach needs to be empty. This helps the specialist see clearly and reduces the risk of food or fluid coming back up during the procedure.

Direct Endoscopy’s gastroscopy patient preparation instructions state that patients should not eat at all on the day of the procedure and may have clear fluids until three hours before the test, unless instructed otherwise.

Clear fluids may include water, cordial, clear fruit juice, clear broth, black tea or black coffee with sugar, clear jelly that is not red, and certain electrolyte drinks. Red-coloured drinks should be avoided because they may interfere with the procedure.

Always follow the specific instructions given to you by the clinic. If you accidentally eat or drink outside the allowed times, contact the clinic before attending, as your appointment may need to be adjusted for safety.

Medications before gastroscopy

Before your gastroscopy, your doctor or the clinic may ask about your medications. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements and herbal products.

Some medications may need special instructions. This can include blood thinners, diabetes medications, iron tablets, anti-inflammatory medications or medications that affect sedation. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your doctor or the clinic tells you to do so.

If you take blood thinners, make sure your doctor and the clinic know well before the procedure. The instructions may depend on why you take the medication, your bleeding risk and whether biopsies or treatment are expected during the procedure.

If you have diabetes, fasting can affect blood sugar levels, so you may need specific instructions about diabetes medication, insulin and timing. Speak with your GP, specialist or the clinic before the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

On the day of the procedure, you will be admitted and checked by the clinical team. You may be asked to confirm your details, medical history, allergies, medications and when you last ate or drank.

Once you are ready, sedation or anaesthesia is usually given to keep you comfortable. The gastroscope is then gently passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The specialist views the lining on a monitor and checks for inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, narrowing or other abnormalities.

If needed, small biopsies can be taken. In some cases, treatments may also be performed during endoscopy, such as managing bleeding or stretching a narrowing, depending on the reason for the procedure and the facility.

The procedure itself is usually relatively short, but you should allow extra time for admission, preparation, sedation, recovery and discharge.

Sedation and comfort during gastroscopy

Many patients feel anxious about gastroscopy because the camera passes through the mouth. This is understandable. In most cases, sedation or anaesthesia is used so patients are comfortable and usually do not remember much of the procedure.

Your procedure team will monitor you during the procedure. This may include monitoring your oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure. The type and depth of sedation depend on the facility, anaesthetist, procedure and your medical history.

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists explains that endoscopy procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, are frequently performed as day-stay cases and may involve sedation or anaesthesia.

If you are nervous, tell the clinical team. They can explain what will happen and help you understand how comfort and safety are managed during the procedure.

What happens after gastroscopy?

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area while the sedation wears off. You may feel drowsy for a while. Some patients notice a mild sore throat, bloating or a feeling of wind after the procedure. These symptoms usually settle.

Because sedation is commonly used, you will need someone to take you home. You should not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions for the rest of the day after sedation.

Your doctor or the clinical team will explain the initial findings. If biopsies were taken, the final pathology results may take several days. You may receive follow-up instructions, medication advice or a recommendation to see your GP or specialist again.

Make sure you understand your discharge instructions before leaving. If you are unsure about medication, diet, follow-up or warning symptoms, ask the clinic before you go home.

When will you get your results?

Some gastroscopy findings can be explained shortly after the procedure. For example, your doctor may be able to tell you whether there was visible inflammation, an ulcer, a hiatus hernia, narrowing or other visible changes.

If biopsies were taken, final results usually take longer because the tissue needs to be examined in a laboratory. Your doctor will explain how you will receive these results and whether a follow-up appointment is needed.

Your treatment plan depends on the findings. For reflux or inflammation, medication and lifestyle changes may be recommended. For Helicobacter pylori, antibiotics and acid-reducing medication may be prescribed. For coeliac disease, dietary management may be needed. For Barrett’s oesophagus, surveillance may be recommended depending on the findings.

Do not assume that no news means no issue. If you have not received biopsy results within the timeframe advised, follow up with your doctor or clinic.

Can gastroscopy and colonoscopy be done together?

Yes. In some cases, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be performed during the same appointment. This may be recommended when both the upper and lower digestive tract need to be investigated.

For example, a patient with unexplained iron deficiency anaemia may require both gastroscopy and colonoscopy to check for possible sources of bleeding or malabsorption. A patient with both upper digestive symptoms and bowel symptoms may also need both procedures depending on their doctor’s assessment.

Colonoscopy is different from gastroscopy because it examines the large bowel and rectum. It also requires bowel preparation. Direct Endoscopy provides colonoscopy in Melbourne for patients who need lower bowel investigation, including patients with bowel symptoms, positive bowel screening tests or a history of bowel polyps.

If you are booked for both procedures, follow the preparation instructions carefully. You will usually need to complete the colonoscopy bowel preparation as well as fasting instructions.

Gastroscopy vs capsule endoscopy

Gastroscopy and capsule endoscopy are both used to assess the digestive tract, but they are not the same procedure.

Gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract using a flexible camera passed through the mouth. It allows the specialist to look at the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, and biopsies can be taken if needed.

Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small camera capsule that travels through the digestive tract and takes images, especially of the small bowel. It is often used when the small bowel needs to be assessed, particularly if standard gastroscopy and colonoscopy have not explained symptoms or bleeding.

Direct Endoscopy provides capsule endoscopy for suitable patients who need small bowel investigation. Your GP or specialist can advise whether gastroscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy or another test is most appropriate.

Is gastroscopy safe?

Gastroscopy is commonly performed and is generally considered a safe procedure. However, like all medical procedures, it has potential risks. These can include reactions to sedation, bleeding after biopsy or treatment, aspiration, infection, or very rarely, a tear or perforation in the digestive tract.

The risk for each patient depends on their age, medical history, medications, reason for the procedure and whether any treatment is performed during the procedure. Your doctor and the clinical team will consider these factors before the gastroscopy.

For most patients, the benefits of properly investigating significant upper digestive symptoms outweigh the risks. However, you should always discuss your individual situation with your GP or specialist.

Before the procedure, tell the clinic if you have allergies, previous anaesthetic issues, heart or lung disease, diabetes, bleeding problems, pregnancy, or if you take blood thinners.

When to seek medical advice after gastroscopy

Most people recover well after gastroscopy. Mild throat discomfort, bloating or drowsiness can occur and usually settles. However, some symptoms need prompt medical advice.

Seek medical advice promptly if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black or bloody stools
  • Fever or chills
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty swallowing that is worsening
  • Feeling faint, weak or very unwell

If symptoms are severe or urgent, seek emergency medical care. If you are unsure whether a symptom is expected, contact the clinic or your doctor for advice.

How Direct Endoscopy can help

Direct Endoscopy provides specialist gastroenterology and endoscopy services across multiple Melbourne locations, including Frankston, Hampton, Bayswater, Narre Warren and Rosebud.

For patients with reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, anaemia, suspected ulcers or other upper digestive symptoms, Direct Endoscopy provides gastroscopy services in Melbourne in accredited hospital settings.

Patients can also access other digestive health procedures where clinically appropriate, including colonoscopy for lower bowel investigation and capsule endoscopy for small bowel assessment.

If your GP has referred you for gastroscopy, Direct Endoscopy can assist with booking, preparation instructions, the procedure and follow-up guidance. You can view all hospital locations on the locations page or visit the book online page for appointment information.

Final thoughts

Gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy used to examine the upper digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It can help investigate symptoms such as reflux, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anaemia and suspected ulcers.

The procedure is usually performed as a day procedure with sedation or anaesthesia for comfort. Preparation usually involves fasting, and biopsies may be taken if needed.

If your doctor has recommended a gastroscopy, it is because they want to understand what is happening inside the upper digestive tract. The results can help guide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

If you have been referred for gastroscopy, Direct Endoscopy can help you understand the process, prepare correctly and receive specialist endoscopy care.

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