Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) in Brisbane
In short
Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) in Brisbane examines the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum using a thin flexible camera. The procedure usually takes about 10–15 minutes under light sedation, and most patients go home the same day. It may investigate reflux, heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, nausea, upper abdominal pain and iron deficiency, and diagnose conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, H. pylori, Barrett’s oesophagus and coeliac disease. Eligible privately insured patients can access no-gap care for Dr Goutham’s surgeon fee; fixed-price options are available for uninsured patients at selected facilities.
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
Your booking team will give you written fasting and medication instructions for your procedure. Follow those instructions, as timing can vary with your appointment and medical needs. 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.
How much does a gastroscopy in Brisbane cost?
For most privately insured patients with hospital cover that includes endoscopic procedures (item numbers 30473 and similar), Dr Goutham’s surgical fee is a no-gap fee — meaning you pay no out-of-pocket for the specialist component of your gastroscopy.
You may still receive separate accounts from the anaesthetist, the hospital and the pathology lab; we’ll let you know in advance what those typically look like.
For self-funded (uninsured) patients, we publish transparent pricing — see our pricing page for the full breakdown. Medicare rebates apply to the specialist consultation and most procedural items.
Gastroscopy in Brisbane with one specialist and four locations
GESA-accredited surgeon
Your procedure is performed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — GESA-accredited in upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy, with experience across Brisbane’s major hospitals.
No-gap for eligible insured patients
Eligible privately insured patients can receive no-gap care for Dr Goutham’s surgeon fee. Fixed-price options are available for uninsured patients at selected facilities.
Advanced imaging
High-definition endoscopic imaging and gentle sedation for an accurate, comfortable diagnostic experience.
Choose from four current gastroscopy locations:
Surgeon credentials and fee information
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), holds an MBBS from the University of Queensland and is registered with AHPRA (MED0002000354). No-gap and fixed-price information on this page applies only to procedures personally performed by Dr Goutham. Hospital excesses and anaesthetist fees may apply. Each case is unique; costs are confirmed before the procedure, and there is no pressure to book.
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.
Written preparation instructions
Follow the fasting and medication instructions provided by the booking team. A gastroscopy alone does not usually require bowel preparation.
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.
Gastroscopy 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?
Explore more: Colonoscopy · Gut Health Assessment · Rectal Bleeding · Capsule Endoscopy · Pricing & no-gap
Book a Gastroscopy in Brisbane
Send an enquiry or call 07 3733 1551. The team will confirm the appropriate consultation, location, fees and written preparation instructions.