Gastroscopy

What is a gastroscopy? Gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy, involves using a thin flexible tube (endoscope) to examine the upper digestive tract. The tube is inserted into the mouth and travels down the food pipe (oesophagus), then into the stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum), to view these areas. The endoscope contains a light and video camera that transmits images to a monitor, where they can be seen by a doctor. When is a gastrosopy needed? Gastroscopy is usually done to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. It can show if there is inflammation,