Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy)
A gastroscopy, or upper GI endoscopy, is an examination of the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum) using a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth. It investigates reflux, indigestion, swallowing difficulty, bleeding and ulcers, and can detect or rule out cancer.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Gastroscopy lets a gastroenterologist look directly at the lining of the upper digestive tract on a high-definition monitor. A slim, flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is the most reliable way to find the cause of persistent heartburn, difficulty or pain on swallowing, recurring indigestion, nausea, unexplained weight loss or signs of bleeding such as black stools. Tissue samples can be taken to test for the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, coeliac disease or cancer, and bleeding ulcers can be treated during the same session.
International patients receive end-to-end support from a dedicated coordinator who arranges appointments, interpreters and clear fasting instructions. If you already have endoscopy reports, biopsy results or imaging, our specialists can review them remotely before you travel and provide a transparent, itemised cost estimate in advance, so there are no surprises on arrival.
Who is a candidate?
- Persistent heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion not responding to treatment
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing, or a sensation of food sticking
- Unexplained nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain or weight loss
- Signs of upper GI bleeding such as vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
- Suspected stomach or duodenal ulcer, or testing for Helicobacter pylori
- Investigation or surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus, coeliac disease or anaemia
What happens
- 1
Preparation
Your stomach must be empty, so you fast from food for about six hours and clear fluids for two hours before the test. Tell the team about any blood thinners or diabetes medication, as these may need adjusting. If you choose sedation, arrange for someone to accompany you home.
- 2
Arrival and comfort
You change into a gown and the team confirms your details. Your throat is numbed with a local anaesthetic spray, and if you opt for sedation a small cannula is placed and light sedation is given so you feel relaxed. Your oxygen and pulse are monitored throughout.
- 3
During the procedure
Lying on your left side with a soft mouthguard in place, the thin endoscope is passed gently through your mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach and duodenum. Air is used to expand the lining for a clear view. You can breathe normally throughout; the scope does not affect breathing.
- 4
Biopsy and treatment
Small tissue samples may be taken painlessly to test for infection, inflammation, coeliac disease or cancer. If a bleeding ulcer or other lesion is found, it can often be treated during the same examination.
- 5
Afterwards & results
You rest in recovery until any sedation wears off, usually 30 to 60 minutes. Your throat may feel slightly numb or mildly sore for a short time. The doctor explains the visual findings immediately; biopsy results follow within a few days and are shared with you and your home physician.
Benefits
- Directly inspects the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum with high-definition clarity
- Quick, accurate diagnosis of reflux, ulcers, inflammation and early cancer
- Allows biopsies and Helicobacter pylori testing in a single visit
- Can treat bleeding ulcers and remove small lesions during the same procedure
- Minimally invasive with rapid same-day recovery
Risks & considerations
- A mildly sore or numb throat for a short time after the test
- Temporary bloating from the air used to expand the stomach
- Minor bleeding if a biopsy is taken, usually self-limiting
- Reactions to sedation such as drowsiness or low blood pressure, monitored throughout
- Very rare risk of a tear (perforation) of the upper digestive tract
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Gastroenterology Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy) — frequently asked questions
You can choose. Many patients have only a numbing throat spray and stay awake, while others prefer light sedation to feel relaxed and drowsy. Your specialist will help you decide what suits you best.
The endoscope is thin and passes alongside the airway, so it does not interfere with breathing. The throat spray reduces the gag reflex, and most people find the test more comfortable than they expected.
You should not eat for about six hours before the procedure and may have only clear fluids up to two hours before, so the stomach is empty for a clear and safe examination. Your coordinator provides exact, translated instructions.
The doctor explains what was seen straight after the procedure. If biopsies were taken, the laboratory results are usually available within a few days and are shared with you and your home doctor.
Yes. Our gastroenterology team can review earlier endoscopy reports, pathology and imaging remotely before you arrive, helping confirm whether the test is needed and plan it within your stay.
The price varies with whether you choose sedation and whether biopsies or treatment are needed. After reviewing your history remotely we give you a transparent, itemised personalised estimate before you travel, with no hidden charges.
Related treatments
Considering gastroscopy (upper gi endoscopy)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.