What is a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum.

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What does a gastroscopy procedure involve?
The majority of patients will be offered a local anaesthetic throat spray for the procedure. If appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help you relax, but this will be discussed with you along with any risks.
The procedure very rarely takes longer than seven to 10 minutes and involves passing the tube over the back of your tongue down into your stomach and duodenum which is the first part of your bowel. The procedure should not be painful but may be a bit uncomfortable.
The endoscopist will be able to look for problems in these organs such as inflammation or ulcers.
They will be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis.
What does transnasal Endoscopy as part of gastroscopy involve?
A transnasal endoscopy (TNE) looks at the foodpipe (oesophagus), stomach and small intestine. A thin flexible tube called an endoscope is passed through your nose and down the back of your throat. Your doctor or specialist nurse might recommend that you have a TNE to find out the cause of symptoms, such as:
- pain in your upper tummy (abdomen)
- difficulty swallowing
- recurring indigestion or heartburn
- being sick (vomiting)
- bleeding
This procedure is done by a specially trained doctor or nurse, called an endoscopist. It’s possible to take a small tissue sample (biopsies) through the endoscope for review in the laboratory if this is needed.
A TNE can also help to diagnose:
- ulcers
- inflammation
- infection
- the presence of bacteria that can cause ulcers, gastritis and gastric cancer (helicobacter pylori)
- cause of anaemia
- coeliac disease (inability to digest gluten)
- cancer
You might also have a TNE to monitor a long-term health condition. Or, it can be used to check previously diagnosed conditions such as an ulcer or Barrett’s oesophagus.
Preparing for a TNE
Your stomach must be completely empty before your TNE. This is to make sure the endoscopist has a clear view, and so you do not vomit.
You must not eat any solid food for at least 6 hours before the test.
You can take small sips of water up to 2 hours before your appointment.
If you do not follow these instructions, your TNE will be cancelled and rebooked for another day.
You do not need someone to take you home on the day of the procedure.
What complications can happen?
Although rare, complications can happen. Your endoscopist will explain these to you. Complications can include:
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
- Making a hole in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
- Damage to teeth or bridgework
- Bleeding
- Incomplete procedure

How soon will you recover?
You may have a bit of a sore throat and feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will pass.
A member of the team will tell you what was found during the endoscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.
If you have not been sedated, you should be able to go back to work the day after the endoscopy. It is important to remember that if you have had sedation then this is in your system for at least 24 hours, so you will be advised to not doing anything for this time and someone must be with you.