Upper GI Endoscopy · Dubai
Gastroscopy (EGD)
in Dubai
A gastroscopy is a short look at the food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel. It is how heartburn that will not settle, swallowing trouble, anaemia, or suspected coeliac disease are investigated. Performed at HealthBay, Al Wasl, Dubai.
About the Procedure
What a gastroscopy can show
Diagnostic Gastroscopy
Inflammation, ulcers, or a narrowing that explains pain, reflux, or difficulty swallowing. Seeing the lining directly is more useful than guessing from symptoms alone.
Biopsy & Histology
Small samples can be taken during the same procedure. That is how coeliac disease, H. pylori, and Barrett's oesophagus are confirmed — not from the camera view alone.
Barrett's Surveillance
If Barrett's oesophagus has already been diagnosed, regular biopsies are how early pre-cancerous change is looked for. The schedule depends on previous findings.
Swallowing Difficulty
A narrowing can be assessed, and in some cases stretched with a balloon during the same sitting, so a second visit is not always needed.
Upper GI Bleeding
When there is vomiting of blood or black stools, gastroscopy is used to find the source — an ulcer, varices, or a tear — and treat it if possible.
Coeliac Disease Testing
Duodenal biopsies, together with blood tests, remain how coeliac disease is confirmed. The camera visit is short; the answer comes from the lab a few days later.
Indications
When a gastroscopy is useful
Persistent upper gut symptoms, or a blood test that does not fit, are the usual reasons. None of these has to be dramatic to be worth checking.
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained upper abdominal pain
- Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
- Suspected coeliac disease
- Barrett's oesophagus surveillance
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in vomit (haematemesis)
- Follow-up of gastric or oesophageal ulcers
What to Expect
How the appointment runs
Preparation
Nothing to eat for at least six hours. Sips of water are usually fine until two hours before. You will be told if any medicines need pausing.
Throat spray or sedation
Some people prefer to stay awake with a local anaesthetic spray. Others prefer sedation and remember little. The choice is discussed beforehand.
The examination
A thin camera is passed through the mouth. The oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum are looked at in turn. It takes 5–15 minutes.
Biopsies, if needed
Small samples can be taken without extra pain. Results from the laboratory usually take five to seven working days.
Afterwards
If you were sedated, an hour or two in recovery, and a lift home. Initial findings are explained before you leave.
FAQ
Gastroscopy in Dubai — questions patients ask
Is gastroscopy painful?
It is usually well tolerated. With a throat spray there can be some gagging; it is brief. With sedation, most people remember little or nothing of it. The examination itself takes 5–15 minutes.
How long does a gastroscopy take?
Five to fifteen minutes for the examination. If you have sedation, plan for one to two hours at HealthBay, Al Wasl, including recovery. Throat spray only is quicker to leave after.
What is the difference between gastroscopy and colonoscopy?
Gastroscopy looks at the upper gut through the mouth. Colonoscopy looks at the large bowel from below. They answer different questions. When both are needed, they can often be done on the same day.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
If you have sedation, yes — and you should not drive, operate machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours. Throat spray only, you can usually leave on your own.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
Fast for at least six hours. Water is usually fine until two hours before. Take morning medicines with a small sip of water unless you have been told otherwise. Written instructions come with the booking.
Appointments
Book a gastroscopy in Dubai
HealthBay Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM)
Medcare Hospital, Sharjah (Tue & Thu: 8 AM – 4 PM)
HealthBay Community Care, Motorcity, Dubai (Sat: 9 AM – 3 PM)
Also offering: Colonoscopy · ERCP & Biliary Endoscopy · Hepatology & Liver Disease