
Oesophageal-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGDS)
OGDS (also called a gastroscopy) is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted into your mouth to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (known as the duodenum). The endoscope has a camera and light so that video images can be seen and documented by your doctor to diagnose your condition.
The procedure is usually done as a day-case procedure and takes around 30 minutes. Although there may be some mild discomfort, you will be given some anaesthetic spray in your throat and some sedation to make you slightly sleepy to avoid any feeling of pain.
Indications for OGDS. You may need to have an OGDS to
- investigate problems with swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn, dyspepsia or stomach pain
- diagnose gastritis, GERD, stomach ulcers or stomach cancers
- treat bleeding stomach ulcers, gallstones, tumours such as polyps or take tissue biopsy for diagnosis
How to Prepare for OGDS
- You may need to stop your blood thinning medications before the procedure so please discuss with your doctor when to stop and restart your medication
- Fast 6-8 hours prior to the procedure
- You may take small sips of water up to 2-3 hours before the procedure
After the OGDS
- Have someone to drive you home
- Avoid alcohol and spicy food for the first 24 hours
- You will be informed of the diagnosis and treatment plan by your doctor when the biopsy pathology report is ready (usually around 5-7 days)
You may require OGDS on a regular (every 1-2 years) basis if you are risk. Consult your doctor to discuss your risk profile
Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such.
If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.