What is endoscopy?

Upper gastrointestional endoscopy (or “gastroscopy”) is a procedure that examines the oesophagus, stomach and first part of your small bowel called the duodenum. The endoscope is a thin flexible tube that is inserted into the mouth and gently manoeuvred down through the upper intestinal tract without discomfort.

Gastroscopy is performed to evaluate symptoms of heartburn, difficulties swallowing, upper abdominal pain or even gastrointestinal bleeding. It can detect ulcers, inflammation or tumours. It also provides an opportunity to sample the bowel (“biopsies”) as well as performing therapeutic procedures if required – such as treatment of bleeding areas, or stretching of narrowed areas (“dilatation”).