Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Although at Kirurgen.dk we primarily use the gentle nasal method as standard, we also perform oral gastroscopy, where the endoscope is inserted via the mouth.

Why choose oral gastroscopy?

In most cases, the nasal method (via the nose) is preferable, as it allows the patient to speak and breathe freely through the mouth. However, there are specific situations where the oral method is necessary or desirable:

• • Need for larger biopsies: If the specialist assesses that larger tissue samples are required than the nasal scope allows.
• • Anatomical conditions: If there is insufficient space in the nostrils to pass the scope through.
• • Patient's preference: If you, as the patient, prefer the traditional method via the mouth.

Preparation for oral gastroscopy

To ensure a precise view of the stomach, it must be completely empty during the examination.

• • Fasting: You must not eat for 10 hours before your examination.
• • Liquids: You must not drink for 3 hours before the examination (especially avoid dairy products). However, necessary medication may be taken with a small glass of water.

How is the examination performed?

We routinely offer relaxing medication with oral gastroscopy to optimize patient comfort and reduce discomfort associated with the procedure.

During the examination, you lie comfortably on your left side. To make insertion as comfortable as possible, your throat will be locally anesthetized with an anesthetic spray (Xylocaine). This removes sensation in the throat and suppresses the gag reflex.

You will be given a small bite block between your teeth to protect both your teeth and the endoscope itself. The thin, flexible gastroscope is then guided down into the esophagus. The examination itself rarely lasts more than 5 minutes. To clearly see the mucous membrane, a small amount of air is blown into the stomach. This may cause a feeling of bloating or a need to burp, which is completely normal.

At Kirurgen.dk, we use modern digital video technology, and you have the option to follow the examination on a screen if you wish.

After the examination

Since the throat is locally anesthetized, there is a small risk of food or drink going "down the wrong pipe." Therefore, you must wait approximately 20-30 minutes before eating and drinking, until sensation in your throat has completely returned. Always start with a small sip of water.

Is it safe?

Oral gastroscopy is a very safe and thoroughly tested examination. Complications are extremely rare, especially when the examination is performed by an experienced specialist.

Side effects and when to contact us

Most patients have no problems or only very mild ones after a gastroscopy. A slightly sore throat, mild bloating or the urge to burp for the rest of the day are normal because of the small amount of air introduced during the examination. These symptoms settle on their own within 1–2 hours.

Contact the clinic, or call emergency services (1813 / 112), if you experience any of the following in the days after the examination:

• persistent or severe abdominal pain
• a fever above 38.5°C
• vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
• difficulty breathing or chest pain

Real complications such as bleeding from a biopsy site or perforation of the oesophagus or stomach are rare (under 1 in 1,000) and are mostly seen after larger therapeutic procedures during the gastroscopy.

Price and referral

With a referral from your GP, the entire pathway is free. The clinic is part of the Danish public health insurance, and you pay nothing for the consultation, the gastroscopy or the biopsy result. The current waiting time for a non-urgent gastroscopy is around 8 weeks. If cancer is suspected, you are seen within 7–10 working days through the national cancer fast-track pathway.

As a self-payer you can book without a referral. Contact the clinic for a quote. The price depends on whether you choose sedation and whether biopsies are taken.

How to find the clinic

The clinic is at Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor, 2920 Charlottenlund, about a 5-minute walk from Charlottenlund Station on the Coastal Line. That makes gastroscopy in Charlottenlund easy to reach for patients from Hellerup, Gentofte, Klampenborg, Lyngby and the rest of the Copenhagen area. From Østerbro or central Copenhagen the train takes around 15 minutes.

If you drive, there is usually free time-limited parking on Hans Edvard Teglers Vej and the surrounding residential streets. If you choose sedation during the gastroscopy, you cannot drive a car or ride a bike for the rest of the day, so please plan for a companion or public transport.

FAQ: Oral Gastroscopy (Examination through the mouth)

Why choose oral gastroscopy? Classic oral gastroscopy is a well-established method that allows the doctor to use various advanced instruments. This is particularly important if precise tissue samples are needed or polyps need to be removed in the esophagus and stomach during the same procedure.

References:

(Source: Hosokawa O, Shirasaki S, Kaneko C, et al. Standardized gastroscopy: a quality issue. Digestive Endoscopy. 2007;19:S102-S106. (Related to methodology and diagnostic yield). PMID: 22441751

How long does a normal oral gastroscopy last? The examination itself typically lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. It is a quick procedure where a thorough inspection of the mucous membrane is crucial to detect early signs of disease or changes in the stomach.

References:

(Source: Park JM, Huo SM, Lee HH, et al. Longer observation time during gastroscopy increases the detection rate of gastric neoplasms. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2018;88(2):281-289. PMID: 30097010