Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD, gastroscopy)

What is an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy?

Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), also known as gastroscopy, is a test in which a doctor passes a thin, flexible endoscope through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

The test can identify conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, assess changes to the lining, take tissue samples (biopsies) and, if necessary, perform therapeutic procedures such as stopping bleeding, removing polyps or foreign bodies and widening narrowed areas.

When is an OGD recommended?

Your doctor may recommend the test if you experience:

• persistent or recurring pain in the upper abdomen;
• heartburn or acid regurgitation;
• difficulty swallowing;
• nausea or vomiting;
• unexplained anaemia;
• signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood or black stools);
• unexplained weight loss;
• suspected coeliac disease, Helicobacter pylori infection or another gastrointestinal condition.

How should I prepare for the test?

Proper preparation is very important to ensure that the test is performed safely and effectively.

Before the test

• Do not eat for 6–8 hours before the test.
• You may drink clear fluids (water) up to 2–4 hours before the test, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
• Do not smoke or chew gum on the day of the test.
• Remove any dentures before the procedure.
• If the test will be performed under sedation (intravenous sedation) or general anaesthesia, you must attend the healthcare facility with an accompanying adult. You must not drive on the same day after the procedure, so the accompanying person should take you home.

Medication

Tell your doctor in advance about all medicines you are taking.

It is particularly important to mention if you:

• take anticoagulant medicines;
• take aspirin or other medicines that affect platelet function;
• take medicines for diabetes (insulin or tablets);
• are allergic to any medicines.

Most regular medicines do not need to be stopped, but the use of certain medicines may need to be adjusted before the procedure. Your treating doctor will decide whether this is necessary.

How is the test performed?

Before the test, your throat is usually numbed with a local anaesthetic spray.

At some healthcare facilities, depending on the medical indications and available resources, the test may be performed under intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia.

During the test, you will lie on your left side. A thin, flexible endoscope is passed through your mouth. During the procedure, the doctor examines the upper gastrointestinal tract and, if necessary, takes biopsies or performs therapeutic procedures.

The test usually takes approximately 5–15 minutes, but it may take longer if additional therapeutic procedures are performed.

Is the test painful?

An OGD is not usually painful, but it may feel uncomfortable because of the gag reflex, air being introduced into the stomach or a feeling of fullness.

Sedation can help reduce discomfort, but it is not used for every patient and is not available at every healthcare facility.

Possible complications

OGD is considered a safe procedure.

Complications from a diagnostic gastroscopy are very rare. They are most often associated with therapeutic procedures, such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding.

In rare cases, the following may occur:

• bleeding;
• damage to the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (perforation);
• an allergic reaction to the medicines used;
• complications associated with sedation or anaesthesia.

After the test

If a local anaesthetic spray was used in your throat:

• do not eat or drink until your swallowing has fully returned to normal (usually after 30–60 minutes).

If sedation or general anaesthesia was used:

• do not drive on the same day;
• do not operate machinery;
• do not make important legal or financial decisions;
• another adult should accompany you home.

If therapeutic procedures were performed, such as the removal of a polyp, your doctor will provide individual recommendations regarding diet, physical activity and medication.

Frequently asked questions