Overview
An upper GI endoscopy (also called gastroscopy) lets us look directly at your food pipe, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine using a thin flexible tube with a camera. It's one of the most reliable ways to find the cause of persistent digestive symptoms — and most patients find it easier than they expected.
When it’s recommended
- Persistent acidity, indigestion, or abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained vomiting or nausea
- Suspected ulcers or H. pylori infection
- Black stools or vomiting blood (urgent)
- Screening for upper GI cancer in high-risk patients
What to expect
The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes. You'll be given mild sedation so you're relaxed and comfortable. A thin scope is passed through the mouth into the stomach. If we find something that needs sampling or treatment, we can often do it during the same session.
No food or drink for 6 hours before the procedure. Continue most regular medications with a small sip of water, but discuss blood thinners and diabetes medications with us in advance.
You'll rest for about 30 minutes after the procedure. Your throat may feel slightly numb for an hour. Most people return to normal activities the same day, though you shouldn't drive for the rest of the day if sedation was used.
This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.