What Is a Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy (also called an upper GI endoscopy or OGD — oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy) is a procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It allows the gastroenterologist to visualise the upper gastrointestinal tract directly, take biopsies, detect ulcers, assess GERD/Barrett's oesophagus, and perform therapeutic interventions.
Common Indications
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)
- Upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea
- Difficulty or pain swallowing (dysphagia/odynophagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood (haematemesis) or black/tarry stools (melaena) — urgent endoscopy
- Screening for Barrett's oesophagus in long-standing GERD
- H. pylori testing and eradication confirmation
- Monitoring of known gastric ulcers, polyps, or Barrett's
- Pre-bariatric surgery assessment
Preparation for Gastroscopy
- Fasting: Nothing to eat for 6 hours before; clear fluids allowed up to 2 hours before
- Medications: Most medications can be taken with a sip of water. Blood thinners: discuss with your gastroenterologist. PPIs (omeprazole, nexium): usually continue as prescribed.
- Diabetes: Adjust insulin/oral hypoglycaemics with doctor guidance on fasting day
- Transport: Arrange someone to drive you home if having sedation
What the Gastroenterologist Is Looking For
| Condition | What's Found | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | Oesophageal inflammation, hiatus hernia, lower oesophageal sphincter weakness | PPI therapy; lifestyle modification |
| Peptic Ulcer Disease | Gastric or duodenal ulcers — H. pylori testing/biopsy performed | H. pylori eradication; PPI therapy |
| Barrett's Oesophagus | Metaplastic change in lower oesophageal lining — pre-cancerous; requires surveillance | Regular surveillance; ablation if dysplastic |
| Gastric Cancer | Early detection dramatically improves outcomes | Resection ± chemotherapy |
| Coeliac Disease | Duodenal biopsy for villous atrophy | Gluten-free diet |
| Varices | Dilated veins in oesophagus from portal hypertension (liver disease) | Banding/injection; propranolol |
Gastroscopy Cost Singapore
| Setting | Total Estimate (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Hospital (subsidised Class B2/C) | $200–$600 | Includes sedation and standard biopsy |
| Public Hospital (unsubsidised/Class A) | $700–$1,500 | Specialist fee + facility |
| Private Day Surgery Centre | $700–$1,500 | Standard diagnostic scope |
| Private Hospital (Mt Elizabeth/Gleneagles) | $1,000–$2,500 | Premium facility; specialist of choice |
See our researched shortlist: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
View the shortlist →A gastroscopy (upper GI endoscopy) examines the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum) from the mouth downward. A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) from the rectum. They are complementary procedures examining different parts of the GI tract and require separate bowel preparation and fasting protocols.
Modern gastroscopy is performed under sedation (IV midazolam or propofol), so most patients have no memory of or discomfort during the procedure. The most common sensation is mild throat soreness for 1–2 days after. Without sedation (throat spray only), patients feel gagging — sedation is strongly recommended and routinely offered at private centres.
A diagnostic gastroscopy typically takes 5–15 minutes. Therapeutic procedures (Barrett's ablation, EMR, haemostasis) take longer. You'll spend 30–60 minutes in recovery after sedation. Plan for a half-day appointment.
Private hospital gastroscopy: $800–$2,000 (diagnostic, without biopsy). With biopsy/H. pylori testing: add $100–$300. Combined gastroscopy + colonoscopy: $1,800–$4,500 at private centres. Medisave-claimable for medically indicated procedures. Public hospital rates are significantly lower with subsidy.
A referral is not required to see a private gastroenterologist in Singapore, though a GP referral may assist with insurance claims. For Medisave to be claimed for day surgery, the gastroenterologist must document clinical indication. Most private gastroenterologists offer direct-access gastroscopy for patients with GERD symptoms, dyspepsia, or upper GI concerns.