Upper Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)
A thin flexible camera looks at the esophagus, stomach, and the start of the small intestine. Takes 10–20 minutes; you sleep through it.
Results
Verbal findings before you leave the unit. Biopsy results: 7-14 days; H. pylori test: same day or 1-2 days.
This article is educational and does not replace your doctor's advice. Seek urgent care for any red-flag symptoms.
What is it?
An upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (the endoscope) to look directly inside the upper digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The doctor can take biopsies, remove polyps, stop bleeding, dilate strictures, or test for H. pylori — all in the same session.
Why is it done?
To investigate symptoms (heartburn not responding to PPI, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, anemia, weight loss), to take biopsies (test for H. pylori, celiac, gastritis, EoE), to treat (band varices, remove polyps, stop bleeding, dilate strictures), and to screen (Barrett's esophagus surveillance, hereditary gastric cancer screening).
Who needs it?
- Persistent heartburn or reflux symptoms not responding to PPIs
- Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- Iron-deficiency anemia of unclear cause
- Persistent upper abdominal pain >4 weeks, especially over 50
- Surveillance for Barrett's esophagus or gastric premalignant changes
Before the procedure
- Fasting: nothing to eat for 6 hours, clear liquids only until 2 hours before.
- Take essential morning medications with a small sip of water (discuss diabetes/blood thinners at booking).
- Stop blood thinners only as directed by your booking team.
- Wear loose clothing; remove dentures and contact lenses before procedure.
- Arrange a driver — you cannot drive after sedation.
During the procedure
You'll change into a gown and have an IV placed. The team will spray a numbing agent in your throat (some clinics) and give sedation through the IV — usually propofol. You lie on your left side with a mouthpiece between your teeth. The doctor passes the endoscope through the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach and duodenum. You will not feel or remember the procedure. The whole thing takes 10-20 minutes.
After the procedure
You'll wake up in a recovery area over 30-60 minutes. You may have a mild sore throat for a few hours and feel slightly bloated from air. You can eat normally once awake — start with something soft if your throat is sore. The doctor will share preliminary findings before you leave; biopsy results take 7-14 days. For 24 hours: no driving, no important decisions, no alcohol.
Risks
- Sore throat (very common, brief)
- Bleeding: <1 in 1000 (more if biopsies or polyp removal)
- Perforation (hole in the bowel wall): <1 in 5000
- Sedation reaction: rare with modern propofol
- Aspiration of stomach contents: rare
When you get results
Alternatives if you decline
Capsule endoscopy can see the small intestine but cannot biopsy or treat. Imaging (CT, MRI) cannot see mucosal detail. For most upper GI symptoms, endoscopy has no equivalent alternative.
In the Saudi context
Upper endoscopy is widely available across Saudi Arabia in MOH, university, and private hospitals. Insurance plans usually cover diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Same-day discharge is standard.
Questions to ask your doctor
Save this list or print it before your appointment — doctors appreciate prepared patients.
- Do I need to stop blood thinners?
- What are you specifically looking for?
- Will biopsies be taken? Why?
- When will I get the results?
Medically reviewed by: SGA Patient Education Panel · Last reviewed 24/04/2026