A gastroscopy is an in-depth visual examination of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including your oesophagus, your stomach and your small intestine or small bowel. This procedure is also called an upper endoscopy. Find out more here.

It’s very important that your stomach and small bowel are empty of any liquid or food matter for your gastroscopy to be successful. This means you will need to fast, which means having nothing to eat or drink, including water, for six hours before your scheduled procedure.

Furthermore, if you are taking prescription medication, it’s important that you tell your doctor so they can advise you what to do before your gastroscopy.

We advise you to wear warm, loose comfortable clothing to your appointment. Bring any medications you need, healthcare documents and payment methods. Also, bring along any reading material, iPad or iPod for entertainment during waiting periods.

After a mild anaesthetic sedates you, your specialist will insert the gastroscopy instrument into your mouth to begin the procedure. A routine gastroscopy takes about 15 to 30 minutes. This is followed by a recovery time of 1 to 2 hours. Therefore, please expect to be at the centre for about 3 hours.

As the sedative medication wears off, you must not drive a vehicle, travel unaccompanied, work, drink alcohol or sign legal documents until 24 hours after your gastroscopy. Please pre-arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure and drive you home. We will call them on your behalf to let them know when you’re ready to go home.

If you think you may be pregnant, please advise your doctor before arranging a gastroscopy.

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1003 Mt Alexander Road Essendon, VIC, 3040

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03 9372 0372

Email Us at

Email Us at

reception@mvscentre.com.au