A gastroscopy (also called an upper endoscopy or OGD — oesophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum). It is performed under general anaesthetic in children, so your child will be completely asleep and comfortable throughout.

Why Is a Gastroscopy Recommended?

A gastroscopy may be recommended to:

Investigate persistent vomiting, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing

Diagnose or monitor conditions such as coeliac disease, eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), or Helicobacter pylori infection

Take biopsies (small tissue samples) for laboratory analysis

Check for oesophagitis or inflammation in the upper gut

Preparing Your Child: Step by Step

Before the Procedure

Fasting is essential. Your child must have an empty stomach for the procedure to be safe. The standard guidelines are:

No solid food or milk for at least 6 hours before the procedure

Clear fluids (water, apple juice, clear cordial) may be given up to 2 hours before

You will receive specific fasting instructions from the hospital — always follow those over general guidelines.

Talk to your child honestly but calmly. Use age-appropriate language: "The doctor will use a special camera to look inside your tummy while you have a special sleep." Avoid language that emphasises pain or needles.

What to bring: Medicare card, referral letter, and any relevant reports or test results.

On the Day

Arrive at the hospital at the time requested (usually 30–60 minutes before the scheduled procedure time)

A nurse and anaesthetist will greet you and review your child's history

Anaesthetic is usually administered through a small needle in the back of the hand, or sometimes as a gas mask for younger children

The procedure itself typically takes 10–20 minutes

You may be able to sit with your child until they go to sleep, depending on the hospital's policy

After the Procedure

Your child will wake up in a recovery area with a nurse present

Most children are a little drowsy and sometimes briefly tearful when waking from anaesthetic — this is completely normal

Once your child is awake and able to drink clear fluids, they can usually eat normally

Most children are ready to go home 1–2 hours after the procedure

Your child should rest for the remainder of the day and not attend school

What About the Results?

Dr Singh will discuss initial findings with you before you leave. If biopsies were taken, results from the pathology laboratory usually take 5–10 business days. A follow-up appointment is usually arranged to discuss results and the next steps in management.

If you have any questions or concerns before your child's gastroscopy, please call our rooms on 02 9793 2170.

Last reviewed by Dr Harveen Singh FRACP, Paediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist