Endoscopy in Brisbane
In short
A gastroscopy is a short, minimally invasive procedure that examines the upper digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach and duodenum) using a thin flexible camera. It takes about 10–15 minutes under light sedation, and most patients go home the same day. It is used to investigate reflux, heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, nausea, upper abdominal pain and iron deficiency — and to diagnose conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, H. pylori, Barrett’s oesophagus and coeliac disease. Most insured patients pay no gap for Dr Goutham’s fee.
A close, high-definition look at your upper gut
A gastroscopy — also called an upper endoscopy — uses a long, thin, flexible instrument with a small high-definition camera and light at its tip. It is gently passed through the mouth and guided down to examine the lining of the:
- Oesophagus (the food pipe)
- Stomach
- Duodenum (the first part of the small bowel)
During the examination, Dr Goutham carefully inspects the lining for inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, bleeding and other changes. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken painlessly when needed, and certain problems — such as bleeding or a tight area — can often be treated during the same procedure. This makes gastroscopy both a diagnostic and a treatment tool.
Reasons a gastroscopy may be recommended
A gastroscopy may be recommended to investigate persistent upper-gut symptoms, to confirm a diagnosis, or to monitor a known condition. Common reasons include:
- Reflux, heartburn or indigestion that is persistent or not settling with treatment
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
- Vomiting blood, or black or tarry stools
- Suspected coeliac disease (confirmed with duodenal biopsies)
- Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection
- Surveillance of Barrett’s oesophagus or a previously treated condition
A gastroscopy is often performed alongside a colonoscopy in a single visit when both the upper and lower digestive tract need to be assessed — for example, when investigating iron deficiency anaemia.
Conditions a gastroscopy can diagnose and treat
Because it gives a direct view of the lining and allows biopsies, gastroscopy is one of the most reliable ways to identify the cause of upper-gut symptoms.
| Condition | What it is |
|---|---|
| Reflux & oesophagitis | Acid irritation and inflammation of the food pipe |
| Gastritis | Inflammation of the stomach lining |
| Peptic ulcers | Sores in the stomach or duodenum that can bleed |
| H. pylori | A common bacterial infection linked to ulcers and gastritis |
| Barrett’s oesophagus | Cell changes from long-term reflux that need surveillance |
| Coeliac disease | An immune reaction to gluten, confirmed on duodenal biopsy |
If your symptoms point to the small bowel rather than the stomach — for example unexplained bleeding not found at gastroscopy or colonoscopy — Dr Goutham may recommend PillCam capsule endoscopy to examine the full length of the small intestine.
What happens during a gastroscopy
You will usually be asked not to eat for about six hours beforehand so the stomach is empty. The procedure is performed under light sedation given by an anaesthetist, so you rest comfortably and typically remember little or nothing of the examination.
- You are admitted to the endoscopy unit and meet the anaesthetist.
- The gastroscope is gently passed through the mouth and the lining is carefully examined.
- Biopsies are taken if needed, and certain problems can be treated at the same time.
- The procedure itself usually takes 10–15 minutes.
The total time at the hospital or day-surgery centre is generally two to three hours, allowing for admission, the procedure and recovery from sedation.
Recovery after your gastroscopy
After the procedure you will rest in the recovery area while the sedation wears off. Most patients can:
- Eat and drink soon after the procedure
- Go home the same day
- Return to normal activities the following day
A mild sore throat or bloating can occur for a short time and usually settles quickly. Dr Goutham will explain the initial findings before you leave, and any biopsy results are reviewed with you and your GP once available. Because sedation is used, you will need someone to drive you home and should not drive for the rest of the day.
Specialist endoscopy, clear communication, no-gap care
GESA-accredited surgeon
Your procedure is performed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, FRACS — GESA-accredited in upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy, with experience across Brisbane’s major hospitals.
No-gap for insured patients
Most patients with private health insurance pay no out-of-pocket fee for the surgeon’s service. Fixed-price options are available for self-funded patients.
Advanced imaging
High-definition endoscopic imaging and gentle sedation for an accurate, comfortable diagnostic experience.
We care for patients across:
Your pathway to answers
From first consultation to clear results, we keep every step simple and well explained — and coordinate directly with your GP.
Consultation
We review your symptoms, history and medications to decide whether gastroscopy is the right test.
Simple preparation
Clear fasting instructions beforehand — no bowel prep is needed for a gastroscopy alone.
The procedure
A short examination under gentle sedation, with biopsies or treatment performed if needed.
Results & follow-up
Dr Goutham explains the findings and next steps and writes to your GP for continuity of care.
Endoscopy FAQs
Is a gastroscopy the same as an endoscopy?
Does a gastroscopy hurt?
How long does a gastroscopy take?
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
Can a gastroscopy and colonoscopy be done together?
How much does a gastroscopy cost in Brisbane?
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, FRACS — June 2026.
Explore more: Colonoscopy · Gut Health Assessment · Rectal Bleeding · Capsule Endoscopy · Pricing & no-gap
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