Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) in Brisbane
In short
A gastroscopy, also called an upper endoscopy, uses a thin, flexible camera to examine your food pipe, stomach and the first part of your small bowel. It can help investigate persistent upper-gut symptoms and take tissue samples when needed. Most patients go home the same day. Below, you can find what to expect, how to prepare, recovery advice and gastroscopy costs.
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 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
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy in the same visit
If both tests are needed, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can often be arranged for the same visit. Dr Goutham reviews the reason for each test and your health history before confirming whether a combined procedure is appropriate.
The tests examine different parts of your digestive system. Gastroscopy looks at the food pipe, stomach and first part of the small bowel. Colonoscopy examines the large bowel. Needing one test does not automatically mean you need both.
Preparing for a combined procedure
Follow the written bowel preparation, fasting and medicine instructions issued for your booking. Instructions for gastroscopy alone are not enough when colonoscopy is also planned. If your booking details do not match the tests you are expecting, contact the team before starting preparation.
You will also need to arrange for an adult to take you home after sedation. Your booking and discharge instructions explain the support you need and when you can return to driving and usual activities.
Planning your next step
- Check costs and what is included for a combined procedure.
- Read the preparation overview alongside your issued instructions.
- See how referral and booking work, including when a consultation may be needed.
To ask about having both tests, call 07 3733 1551.
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
- Follow the discharge advice about returning to usual activities
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. Arrange for an adult to take you home after sedation. Do not drive for 24 hours after sedation, and follow any longer restriction in your discharge instructions.
Read the recovery guidance for gastroscopy and combined procedures, alongside the discharge instructions issued for your booking.
How much does a gastroscopy in Brisbane cost?
If your hospital cover and procedure are eligible, Dr Goutham’s surgeon fee is no-gap. This means you pay no out-of-pocket amount to Dr Goutham for that fee. The team confirms your cover before the procedure.
Your hospital excess, anaesthetist and pathology charges may be separate. Check the written fee information for your booking, and ask the team if you are unsure what is included.
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.
Questions about your referral or booking? Send the team an enquiry.
Gastroscopy in Brisbane with one specialist and five 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 five current gastroscopy locations. For local booking information, see North Lakes or Cleveland and the Redlands.
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.
From referral to follow-up
Dr Goutham reviews why the test has been requested, explains the findings and writes to your GP about the next steps.
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?
Yes, when both tests are clinically appropriate, they can often be arranged for the same visit. Dr Goutham reviews your referral and health history before confirming the plan. Follow the preparation instructions issued for the combined procedure. Read about having both tests 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
Your next step
Arrange your gastroscopy.
Start your booking online, or contact the team about your referral or appointment.
Have a question first?
Ask about your referral, preparation or booking arrangements.
Send an enquiryOpens the secure form in a dedicated page.