Sievering Clinic

Competence Centre for Minimally Invasive Medical Services

Diagnosis

Gastroscopy

Are there any side effects or complications from having a gastroscopy?

All procedures carry some risk but outpatient diagnosis gastroscopy is very safe. Minor complications are uncommon and major complications are very rare. Most gastroscopies are done without any problem.

  • Some people have a mild sore throat for a day or so afterwards. You may feel tired or sleepy for several hours if you have a sedative.
  • Rarely, the endoscope may cause some damage to the gut. This may cause bleeding, infection, and rarely, perforation. If any of the following occur within 48 hours after a gastroscopy, consult a doctor immediately.
  • Abdominal pain (In particular, if it becomes gradually worse, and is different or more intense to any ‘usual’ indigestion pains or heartburn that you may have.)
  • Fever (raised temperature)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting blood

These serious complications are rare in most people who are otherwise reasonably healthy.
Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to the sedative.