During the Gastroscopy

What happens during upper endoscopy?

You will be given medication by injection through a vein to make you sleepy and relaxed. The procedure can be performed without sedation if requested. You will probably have little memory of this procedure afterwards. While in a comfortable position on your left side, the Doctor will pass the endoscopy through your mouth and down the throat. The endoscope itself is a plastic tube about as thick as a ball point pen. The instrument will not interfere with your breathing nor cause pain.

The examination takes about 20 minutes and normally involves examination of the throat oesophagus, stomach, and the start of the small bowel.