Dr Ali Rizvi - General, Endocrine & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon
A gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, uses a thin flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It can help investigate symptoms and identify conditions affecting the upper digestive tract. Where appropriate, biopsies can also be taken during the procedure for further assessment.
Your GP or specialist may recommend a gastroscopy to investigate symptoms or findings such as:
The purpose of the procedure is to investigate the cause of your symptoms or monitor a known condition and, when appropriate, obtain tissue samples for further testing.
Dr Ali Rizvi is a FRACS-qualified specialist surgeon with more than 20 years of surgical experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. His specialist practice includes endoscopy, alongside general, endocrine and breast surgery.
Patients receive a specialist consultation to discuss their symptoms, medical history and whether gastroscopy is appropriate for their individual circumstances.
A GP or specialist referral is required to arrange a consultation. Before the procedure, you will receive instructions about fasting, medications and what to expect. Gastroscopy is generally performed with sedation to help keep you comfortable, and you will need someone to accompany you home afterwards.
After the procedure, the initial findings can be discussed with you. If biopsies have been taken, the results require laboratory assessment and will be discussed as part of your follow-up.
The cost of a gastroscopy varies depending on the day procedure facility, anaesthetist and whether additional services such as biopsies or pathology are required.
Gastroscopy is usually performed with sedation, which makes you relaxed and drowsy and means you may remember little or none of the procedure. Sedation is different from a general anaesthetic. A general anaesthetic is only required in some circumstances.
You will need to fast before a gastroscopy so that your stomach is empty during the procedure. The exact fasting instructions will be provided by your doctor or the procedure facility. You should also tell your doctor about your medications, allergies and medical conditions and ask whether you should take your usual medicines before the procedure.
If an abnormal area is identified, the doctor may take a small biopsy during the gastroscopy. The tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. Depending on what is found, your doctor will explain the results and discuss whether further investigation, treatment or follow-up is required.
If you have been referred for a gastroscopy or need specialist assessment of symptoms affecting your upper digestive tract, book an appointment with Dr Ali Rizvi.
Visit our Surgery in Sydney page to explore all procedures offered by Dr Ali Rizvi and learn how we can help you with your surgical care.
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