Does a gastroscopy hurt?

No — with throat anaesthetic and brief sedation, most people are not aware of the examination at all. Without sedation, the gag reflex when inserting the tube is unpleasant but quite bearable; the examination does not cause pain.

Do I have to have the sedative?

No, that is your decision. Many choose it for comfort; anyone who wants to be able to drive immediately afterwards can have the examination with throat anaesthetic alone. Discuss the options with your doctor in advance.

How long does a gastroscopy take?

The examination itself only about 10 to 15 minutes. With the briefing, preparation and recovery phase, you will spend a total of about one to two hours at the practice or hospital.

Can I drive afterwards?

Not after sedation: a strict driving ban applies for 24 hours, and you should arrange to be collected. Without sedation, with throat anaesthetic only, you can drive once the anaesthetic has worn off.

When will I find out the result?

The doctor usually discusses the initial findings with you directly after the examination. Results from tissue samples, such as the test for the stomach bacterium Helicobacter, follow after a few days.

What happens if something abnormal is found?

Many things can be addressed directly during the examination: tissue samples are taken, minor bleeding can be stopped. The doctor will then discuss the further course of action — such as medication — with you afterwards at leisure.

Gastroscopy — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

During a gastroscopy, the gastroenterologist examines your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. The examination investigates symptoms such as persistent heartburn or upper abdominal pain — and allows tissue samples to be taken directly.

Typical Areas of Use

Persistent heartburn and acid reflux
Difficulty swallowing
Recurrent upper abdominal pain and nausea
Suspected gastric or duodenal ulcer
Investigation of unexplained anaemia

How It Works

1You attend fasting; your throat is anaesthetised locally, and on request — which most people choose — you receive a short-acting sedative through a vein.
2You lie on your left side and a small bite guard is placed between your teeth; the tube is carefully inserted through your mouth.
3The doctor examines your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum; some air is inflated for this purpose. If necessary, small tissue samples are taken painlessly.
4The actual examination takes about 10 to 15 minutes; afterwards you recover in the recovery area.
5The doctor discusses the initial findings with you; results from tissue samples follow after a few days.

How to Prepare

You must be fasting — usually nothing to eat for at least six hours; the practice's instructions are definitive.
Arrange for someone to accompany you if you receive a sleeping medication: driving yourself is generally not permitted for 24 hours afterwards — the information provided by the centre is decisive.
Discuss blood-thinning medications with your doctor in advance — they will decide whether and how these need to be adjusted.
Removable dentures are taken out before the examination.

Side Effects & Risks

A slight scratchy feeling in the throat and bloating from the inflated air are normal after the examination and subside quickly.
After tissue samples are taken, minor bleeding can rarely occur, which usually stops on its own.
Very rarely, injury to the mucous membrane or organ wall can occur.
The sedative can affect circulation and breathing — you are therefore monitored during and after the examination.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

After taking a sleep medication, you must not drive any vehicle, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours — please arrange for someone to pick you up. Do not eat or drink until the numbness in your throat has completely worn off, otherwise there is a risk of choking. Sore throat and a bloated feeling on the same day are normal. Get in touch immediately if you experience severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting blood, or black-coloured stool.

Cost & Insurance

A medically justified gastroscopy is usually covered by basic insurance; the deductible and co-payment apply as usual. A referral from your GP to a gastroenterology practice or hospital is customary. If in doubt, check with your health insurer; this information is provided for guidance only and without guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a gastroscopy hurt?: No — with throat anaesthetic and brief sedation, most people are not aware of the examination at all. Without sedation, the gag reflex when inserting the tube is unpleasant but quite bearable; the examination does not cause pain.
Do I have to have the sedative?: No, that is your decision. Many choose it for comfort; anyone who wants to be able to drive immediately afterwards can have the examination with throat anaesthetic alone. Discuss the options with your doctor in advance.
How long does a gastroscopy take?: The examination itself only about 10 to 15 minutes. With the briefing, preparation and recovery phase, you will spend a total of about one to two hours at the practice or hospital.
Can I drive afterwards?: Not after sedation: a strict driving ban applies for 24 hours, and you should arrange to be collected. Without sedation, with throat anaesthetic only, you can drive once the anaesthetic has worn off.
When will I find out the result?: The doctor usually discusses the initial findings with you directly after the examination. Results from tissue samples, such as the test for the stomach bacterium Helicobacter, follow after a few days.
What happens if something abnormal is found?: Many things can be addressed directly during the examination: tissue samples are taken, minor bleeding can be stopped. The doctor will then discuss the further course of action — such as medication — with you afterwards at leisure.