You have been advised to have a gastroscopy done to help identify the cause of your symptoms. The test is sometimes simply called 'endoscopy'. What is a gastroscopy? This is a test, which allows the doctor to look directly at the lining of the oesophagus (the gullet), the stomach and around the first part of the duodenum. The endoscope is a long flexible tube (thinner than our little finger) with a bright light source and lenses at its tip. This will help transmit images/pictures (like a video camera) of the lining of our gullet or stomach and allows your doctor to determine whether or not any disease is present. What should you expect? You will be asked to fast for at least six hours before the test as the stomach needs to be empty for a clear view. In the examination room you will be asked to rest on your left side. Doctors may spray a local anaesthetic on the back of your throat or give you a tablet to suck to numb the area. Your doctor may sedate you in the form of an injection into your veins to make you feel sleepy and relaxed. However, there are many patients who can tolerate the procedure without any sedation as the endoscopes have become much smaller and are easier to swallow. To keep your mouth open, a plastic mouthpiece will be put gently between your teeth. When the doctor passes the endoscope into your stomach it will not cause any pain. Nor will it interfere with your breathing at any time. In addition to thoroughly examining the mucosal lining, the doctor may take a biopsy i.e. a sample of the stomach or esophageal lining for analysis. A small piece of tissue can be removed painlessly through the endoscope using tiny forceps. The examination usually takes about 10-15 minutes to be completed. Some air will be passed down the endoscope to distend the stomach as this helps the doctor to get a clearer view. This air will be sucked out when the examination is completed. Just like visiting dentists, saliva pooled inside your mouth during the procedure will be cleared by the nurses using motor suction. When the examination is completed, the endoscope is removed quickly and easily. After the test, you will be asked to rest in for thirty minutes. You will be allowed to eat and drink once the effect of the local anaesthetic spray wears off. This usually takes about an hour. The back of your throat may feel sore and your stomach may feel a little bloated if some of the air has remained in your stomach. These discomforts will pass quickly and do not need any medications. If your doctor has given you sedation during the test, it is essential that you arrange for someone to accompany you home where you should rest for the day. The effect of sedation lasts longer than you think so you should not drive a car, operate machinery or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. What are the risks? Gastroscopy can result in complications, such as reactions to medication, perforation (tear) of the stomach or oesophagus and bleeding, but these complications are very rare.