Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible camera down your throat to give your doctor a direct view of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, making it one of the most reliable ways to detect ulcers, acid reflux damage, and inflammation.
Preparing for your gastroscopy
An empty stomach means your doctor can examine everything clearly and safely, reducing the risk of complications during the procedure.
The instructions that apply when you have a gastroscopy at Elfcare are also included in the confirmation you receive ahead of your scheduled appointment, so you always have them close at hand. If anything differs from what your doctor has communicated to you, what your doctor has sent always takes precedence.
Strict fasting is required
Before the procedure, your stomach must be completely empty. It is very important that you follow these fasting guidelines carefully, or we may not be able to perform the examination.
-
You must fast prior to the examination. This means that you are not allowed to eat any food for at least 6 hours before the gastroscopy. You may drink clear liquids, such as water, pulp-free juice, tea without milk, or coffee without milk.
-
At least two hours before your procedure begins, you must completely stop drinking all fluids. The reason for this is to minimize the risk of liquid coming back up from your stomach and accidentally entering your lungs. You will be given a local anesthetic that temporarily disables your natural swallowing reflex. Therefore, a completely dry and empty stomach is absolutely essential to prevent any complications.
-
If you take daily medications, you can usually take them with a small sip of water. However, if you take blood thinners or diabetes medication, special rules apply. Please follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Important medication guidelines
Because you will be fasting, certain medications require extra attention. A few things to keep in mind:
Diabetes and Insulin: If you have diabetes, it is especially important that you strictly follow your prescribed orders regarding insulin and tablets during your fast.
Blood thinners: The clinic must be informed well in advance if you use blood-thinning medications like Waran, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Brilique, Plavix or similar medications.
Essential medications: If you must take prescribed daily medication on the morning of your procedure, you may do so with a small sip of water.
How does a gastroscopy work?
During the procedure
The procedure itself usually takes around 10 minutes. You will receive a local anesthetic spray in your throat to dull your gag reflex, and if needed, a calming sedative can be administered through an IV. The doctor will then insert a soft, flexible instrument, a gastroscope, through your mouth, down your esophagus, and into your stomach. The gastroscope is equipped with a camera and light, making it possible for the doctor to carefully examine the mucosal lining on a screen.
During the examination, a small amount of air is gently pumped in to expand the stomach for a better view, which may cause a feeling of fullness or pressure. If the doctor notices any changes or signs of inflammation, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken completely painlessly directly through the instrument.
After the procedure
You may feel slightly bloated or experience a mild irritation in your throat afterward, but this usually passes quickly. If you received a sedative, you will rest at the clinic for a short while before going home. Please note that you should not drive on the same day if you have been given sedatives or painkillers, so we strongly advise against bringing your car to the clinic. Additionally, keep in mind that you must not eat or drink anything until the throat anesthetic has completely worn off, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Does a gastroscopy hurt?
Usually, it doesn't hurt, but it can feel uncomfortable. It is completely normal to feel anxious, so please let our staff know how you feel. To ensure your comfort, we will numb your throat with a spray and can provide a calming IV sedative if needed.
As the instrument is inserted, you will be asked to swallow once. This may briefly trigger a gag or cough reflex, but since your stomach is empty, you will not vomit. During the exam, the doctor may gently pump air into your stomach for a better view. This can cause mild pressure or an urge to burp, which is perfectly normal. If tissue samples (biopsies) are required, they are taken directly through the tube and are entirely painless.
What can a gastroscopy detect?
A gastroscopy gives your doctor a direct view of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, making it one of the most reliable tools for identifying changes in the upper digestive tract:
Inflammation - such as gastritis or esophagitis, which are often caused by acid reflux
Peptic ulcers - sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum
Hiatus hernia - when the upper part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, often causing heartburn
Celiac disease - a gluten intolerance that can be accurately diagnosed by taking small tissue samples
Helicobacter pylori - a common stomach bacteria linked to ulcers, which can be detected via a biopsy
Strictures - narrowings in the esophagus that can cause difficulties or pain when swallowing
Tumors and polyps - benign growths, cellular changes, or in rare cases, cancer, which can often be biopsied or removed during the procedure itself
When should I undergo a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy is highly recommended if you are experiencing persistent, recurring, or unexplained symptoms related to your upper digestive tract. By examining the area directly, the doctor can find the exact root cause of your discomfort and ensure you get the right treatment.
You should consider booking a consultation or a gastroscopy if you experience any of the following:
Persistent stomach pain: Ongoing pain, aching, or a feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen.
Chronic heartburn and reflux: Frequent acid reflux, indigestion, or a burning sensation in your chest that does not go away with over-the-counter medication.
Difficulty swallowing: Feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat or chest, or experiencing pain when swallowing.
Unexplained nausea: Recurrent nausea, feeling overly full after eating very little, or vomiting.
Warning signs of bleeding: Vomiting blood or noticing dark, tarry stools (which can be a sign of bleeding in the stomach).
If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is always better to get them checked. Many conditions are easily treatable when caught early, and a gastroscopy provides fast and reliable answers.
Gastroscopy at Elfcare
Gastroscopy is available as an add-on to Elfcare's full-body health check for 10 000 SEK. The procedure is performed by experienced specialists at our diagnostic partners, and any findings are incorporated into the same report and follow-up consultation as the rest of your health examination. Your Elfcare doctor reviews the results with you and guides you through the next steps if anything is found.
If you wish to undergo a gastroscopy only, please contact us by email. Price for a standalone gastroscopy is 14 000 SEK.
Book your health check
Elfcare's full-body health check gives you a complete picture of your health, including a full-body MRI, comprehensive blood tests, and a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
The price is 35,000 SEK.
Leave your details and we'll be in touch with a booking link. We always have slots available within the same week.
750+ patients
Since founding in 2024, over 600 people have trusted Elfcare with their health.
5.0 rating
Rated 5 out of 5 on Google Reviews. From patients who recommend us to the people they care about.
Personalized plan
A specialist physician reviews your results and builds a health plan around you. Your body, your biology, your next steps.
9 cities
Now available in 9 cities across Sweden , with more locations coming.
FAQ - Gastroscopy
-
Strict fasting is required before a gastroscopy, as your stomach must be completely empty for the doctor to examine everything clearly and safely. Six hours before the procedure, you must stop eating all food and solid items. Two hours before, you must stop drinking all liquids, including water. If you do not follow these fasting guidelines, we may not be able to perform the examination.
-
The procedure itself usually takes around 10 minutes. However, you should plan for a longer visit overall since time is needed for preparation beforehand and a short recovery period afterward, especially if you receive a sedative.
-
Yes, most people feel well enough to return to work the day after. If you received a sedative, you will need to rest at the clinic for a short while before going home, and you must not drive on the same day. You also need to wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything, until the throat anesthetic has fully worn off. If no sedative was used, recovery is typically very quick.
-
A gastroscopy costs 10,000 SEK when added to your Elfcare health check, or 14,000 SEK as a standalone procedure.
-
Yes, a gastroscopy is available as an add-on to the health check. Any findings are included in your combined report and reviewed alongside your MRI and blood test results at your follow-up consultation.
-
If you'd like to add it to your full-body health check, simply mention it at your first appointment with your doctor, or let us know when you book. If you'd like to book a gastroscopy on its own, reach out to us at hello@elf.care.