Gastroscopy Consent

The oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine called the duodenum are inspected with a gastroscopy. Therefore any abnormalities occuring on the inside of these organs on their lining can potentially be identified, biopsied and sometimes removed using a flexible camera known as an endoscope.

It is the recognised investigation for a variety of conditions and symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux, hiatus hernia, swallowing problems, iron deficiency anaemia, weight-loss, bloating, upper abdominal discomfort or pain, food intolerances and more.

Sleeve Gastrectomy and One-Anastomosis (Mini) Gastric Bypass surgery both have the recognised potential of exposing the oesophagus to bile and/ or acid from reflux. Not everybody notices the reflux or will experience symptoms.

There are studies that have found patients after this surgery to have developed a condition known as Barrett's metaplasia of the oesophagus which is a change that occurs to the lining to make it more resistant to the chemical damage of bile and acid.  Unfortunately, this change also increases the risk of transformation into a form of oesophageal cancer.  This is the reason why you would have had a gastroscopy done prior to your surgery, to ensure you did not have this before, and now it requires ongoing surveillance.

The current recommendedations are for a gastroscopy to be performed 2-3 years after the initial surgery.

A decision will be made about ongoing surveillance based on the findings of this surveillance endoscopy.


Gastric calibration rings are foreign objects that have the risk of being able to erode or cause other side-effects. The Mid-cal ring manufacturer recommends surveillance on the device.

How is the gastroscopy performed?

The procedure is done as a day procedure usually under a sedation administered by the anaesthetist, where you will not be awake or aware of any of the procedure.

Sometimes a numbing agent is sprayed in your throat also.

The procedure only takes a few minutes.  You will be asked to lay on your side and a bite-block placed between your teeth to stop you from biting on the gastroscopy.

The gastroscope is a flexible tube about as wide as your little finger, that is passed down your throat through your mouth, to inspect the food pipe (your oesophagus), the stomach and first part of the small intestine. Some biopsies may be taken.


Risks of a gastroscopy

The procedure is very safe.

Occasionally damage can occur to teeth, lips, gums from the scope or mouth piece to protect the scope.

Missed pathology, causing bleeding or perforation are all rare and unlikely risks.

Discomfort, bloating, sore throat are all possible side effects from the procedure.

Sometimes a second procedure may be required.

Aspiration pneumonia is uncommon.

Blood Products Administration

Not required / Not applicable

Clinical Photography and Video

It is standard practice for Dr Wong to capture images whilst performing the gastroscopy procedure and it form part of the medical report for your surgery stored with the hospital and Dr Wong's practice.

Dr Wong's colleague, Dr Daniel Walker who is also a bariatric surgeon, may be asked from time to time, to perform endoscopy on his behalf.

Patient Consent

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Consenting Doctor

Dr Jason Wong

General, Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon

Operating out of North West Private Hospital and Mater Private Hospital

Consenting Doctor

Dr Aaron Lim

General, Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon

Operating out of North West Private Hospital and Mater Redland Hospital

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