Gastroscopy is a procedure where your doctor evaluates gastrointestinal symptoms and medical conditions. Dr O’Brien performs gastroscopies locally in Bowral at Southern Highlands Private Hospital.
Purpose
A Gastroscopy allows your doctor to examine the upper part of the digestive tract. This means visualising the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small bowel (i.e proximal duodenum).
With a Gastroscopy, your doctor can evaluate a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and medical conditions. These include swallowing problems, persistent reflux, active or recent gastrointestinal bleeding, some forms of anaemia and diagnosis and surveillance of Barrett’s oesophagus and coeliac disease.
Preparation
Prior to the procedure you will be required to fast from food and drink for a specified period of time, usually six hours. You can have sips of water up until two hours before the test.
Procedure
You will attend the hospital where you are to be admitted. The procedure will be performed under deep sedation anaesthetic performed by a trained anaesthetist. The procedure will take between 10 and 20 minutes.
Depending on the reason you are having the gastroscopy, tissue sampling may be performed to check for certain conditions such as coeliac disease or a reduced lactase level – associated with lactose intolerance.
To make an appointment with Dr O’Brien, call the Highlands Specialist Hub on (02) 4811 1500
