Gastroscopy vs Endoscopy: What’s the Difference?

A gastroscopy or an endoscopy may be recommended if your doctor needs to examine your internal organs. Both are minimally invasive procedures that allow doctors to view the inside of the body without open surgery.

We discuss the differences between these two procedures and when each one is used in this article.

Quick answer:
A gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy used to examine the upper digestive tract, while endoscopy is a broader procedure used to examine different parts of the body.

What Is a Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy involves using an endoscope to examine the upper part of the digestive tract.

The endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (small intestine). Images of these areas are displayed on a monitor via a camera and light at the end of the endoscope.

A gastroscopy is also referred to as an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) or an upper endoscopy.

What Is a Gastroscopy Used For?

A gastroscopy may be recommended if you experience symptoms such as:

• Chronic or recurring nausea, vomiting or heartburn
• Persistent stomach pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in the stool
• Suspected peptic ulcer
• Suspected cancer in the stomach or oesophagus

It may also be performed as part of follow-up care after stomach surgery.

What Is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine organs and tissues inside the body without making a large incision.

An endoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera) is inserted through a natural opening, such as the mouth, or through a small incision. Images are displayed on a screen to guide diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to visual examination, an endoscopy can also be used to collect tissue samples for further testing. This is known as an endoscopic biopsy.

Types of Endoscopy Procedures

Different types of endoscopy procedures are used to examine different parts of the body. The type recommended depends on the patient’s symptoms and the area being assessed.

• Arthroscopy – examines the joints
• Bronchoscopy – examines the lungs
• Colonoscopy – examines the colon
• Cystoscopy – examines the bladder
• Enteroscopy – examines the small intestine
• Hysteroscopy – examines the inside of the uterus
• Laparoscopy – examines the abdominal and pelvic area
• Laryngoscopy – examines the larynx
• Mediastinoscopy – examines the mediastinum (area between the lungs)
• Sigmoidoscopy – examines the sigmoid colon and rectum
• Thoracoscopy / Pleuroscopy – examines the chest wall and area between the lungs
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) – examines the oesophagus and upper digestive tract
• Ureteroscopy – examines the ureter

What Conditions Can Be Detected by an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy may be recommended to investigate a range of symptoms and detect underlying conditions.

Quick answer:
Endoscopy can help diagnose conditions affecting the digestive tract, urinary system and other internal organs.

Conditions that may be detected include:

• Bleeding in the digestive tract
• Blood in urine
• Chronic constipation
• Oesophageal blockage
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gallstones
• Hiatal hernia
• Infections
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach ulcer
• Tumours
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Other digestive tract conditions

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastroscopy and Endoscopy

Is there a difference between an endoscopy and a gastroscopy?

Yes, there are several key differences between an endoscopy and a gastroscopy.

• A gastroscopy examines the oesophagus and upper digestive tract, while endoscopy is a broader procedure used to examine different parts of the body, including the joints, lungs, intestines and pelvic area. In fact, a gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy.
• During an endoscopy, the endoscope may be inserted through a natural opening or a small incision. A gastroscopy is typically performed through the mouth.
• Endoscopy may require general anaesthesia in some cases, while a gastroscopy is usually performed with sedation or local anaesthesia.
• Both procedures are generally safe, although risks may vary depending on the type of endoscopy performed.

What are the similarities between gastroscopy and endoscopy?

As a gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy, both procedures share several similarities:

• Both use similar endoscopic technology
• Both may involve a small risk of infection
• Both can be used for diagnosis and treatment
• Both procedures may include additional techniques such as ultrasound

Is an upper endoscopy the same as a gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is sometimes referred to as an upper endoscopy or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Are you asleep during gastroscopy?

A local anaesthetic spray is usually used to numb the throat, as a gastroscopy is not typically painful, although it may feel uncomfortable.

Sedation may be provided if needed, and patients can request it. In some cases, such as for young children, general anaesthesia may be used.

If sedation is given, patients are advised to arrange for someone to accompany them home after the procedure.

Gastroscopy and Endoscopy at Gleneagles Hospitals

A range of endoscopy procedures, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy are offered by Gleneagles Hospitals to support accurate diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions.

Our multidisciplinary team provides personalised care, tailoring each treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical needs.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to your digestive system, consult the gastroenterology specialists at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital for further evaluation and appropriate care.