What is Upper Endoscopy?

Also known as Gastroscopy, it is a procedure to allows us to see the inside of the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and small bowel, with a flexible telescope which relays the picture to a video monitor. It is more accurate than Barium meal X-rays.

Preparation for your upper endoscopy.

You should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test as this prevents the stomach being seen if it is full of liquid. Important medications can be taken with a small sip of water eg. blood pressure pills. Diabetics should notify the clinic before the test. If you are on Warfarin a blood-thinning drug you must notify us in advance, you may need to see Dr Hing or Shew before the procedure.

You will be asked to fill in 2 forms and bring them in on the day (you may download these forms by clicking on the appropriate links to the left) You will also be asked to sign a consent form to say you wish to proceed with the test and understand it's complications. If you have any important medical problems or are unsure if you need the test or wish to discuss the test before the procedure day, you can have a consultation with Dr Hing or Shew some days before the test.

You must arrange for someone to take you home after the test otherwise you will not be given sedation. In view of sedation used for the test you can not drive a car until the next day.

What happens during and after your Upper Endoscopy?

A sedationist will give you a mild sedative by a small cannula in the back of your hand. It will make you drowsy and affect your memory for 10 minutes or so.

It is not the same as a general anaesthetic. The test takes 5 to 10 minutes then you are taken to the recovery room to rest until you are fully alert.

Once you are fully awake you will return to the waiting room where you are given a drink. The doctor will talk to you about what was seen but the biopsy results take a few days to return. Follow up either with the specialist or general practitioner will be advised. A Patient Satisfaction Survey to see how we can improve our service will be offered for you to fill in.

After you leave the clinic: you may find your memory of what happened is poor from the sedation used, if you can not remember your talk with the doctor ring him the next day or make an appointment to come back. Because of this sedation you should not drive a car until the next day as your reflexes will be dulled and judgement impaired, also do not operate machinery or sign any important legal documents. You may return to work the next day.

In the very rare event you have any untoward symptoms after the test you must let us know immediately or seek another doctor's advice. Things to watch for are: persistent sore throat, stomach pains or vomiting.

Safety and Risks

Upper Endoscopy is usually simple and safe. Patients with serious heart and breathing problems may be at higher risk. Very rare complications are: a reaction to the sedatives affecting the heart and breathing or damage to the food pipe. Everyone is given oxygen to breathe. The heart rate is monitored by a clip on the finger, nail polish must be removed or the monitor will not work.

It is common to have a mild sore throat for 24 hours. If you wish to discuss all other complications you should ask your endoscopist.

It is important to also weight up the risk of not having the test, such as missing a serious problem that can be treated as soon as possible.

Are the instruments adequately cleaned?

All equipment used for Endoscopy is disinfected or steam sterilized according to guidelines set by the New South Wales Health Department, Standards Australia and The Gastroenterological Society of Australia. All equipment is serviced regularly as documented in our Quality Management system.


You can expect to be at the Centre for 2 to 3 hours, we can telephone the person taking you home when you are ready to leave.

In order for us to dedicate as much time as necessary for each procedure, as there may be unexpected findings, we ask you to be patient if we are running behind time. You may wish to bring some reading material.

You must confirm your appointment with us by telephoning (02) 9387 1738, as procedure times may have been re-arranged.

• Bring your referral
• Bring your Medicare card/Health Fund card/Pension, DVA or HCC
• Bring the 2 completed admission forms
• Nothing to eat or drink including water for at least 6 hours before the test
• No driving until the next day, have someone take you home
• Do not wear nail polish
• You will be here appeoximately 3-4 hours
• A cancellation fee may apply if we do not have 48 hours notice of a cancellation - Tel. 9387 1738.

In order for us to dedicate as much time and care as necessary for each procedure, we ask you to be patient if we are running behind schedule. You may wish to bring some reading material.