Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or otherwise known as gastroscopy is used to diagnose a range of oesophageal, stomach and duodenal disorders. Symptoms for which gastroscopy is performed include indigestion, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, weight loss as well as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The disorders most commonly seen are reflux oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, gastric and duodenal ulcer, celiac disease and also Barrett's oesophagus(a pre-cancerous condition) and cancer.
Upper GI endoscopy can be used to treat obstruction to swallowing due to benign causes by stretching them with a balloon passed through the endoscope, and also due to cancer by placement of tubes or stents. Endoscopy is also important in treating bleeding ulcers.
For a gastroscopy you would normally be required to be fasted for six hours before the procedure. The procedure is usually performed under sedation so that you have no memory of having it performed. More detailed information can be obtained from this website or from the booking office of the hospital where you are having the procedure performed.