Is gastroscopy painful?

Most people experience little to no discomfort thanks to sedation and meticulous endoscope insertion techniques. A numbing spray to the back of the throat is also used to minimise discomfort. A mild-to-moderate bloating sensation is common after gastroscopy due to the medical gas used to allow for an adequate mucosal inspection.

You will usually be given conscious sedation, which relaxes you for the procedure, but doesn’t completely “knock you out” like a general anaesthesia. However, people often fall asleep during the earlier part of the procedure, and may not have memory of the procedure due to the sedative effects.

How soon can I eat after the procedure?

Once your sedation has worn off (usually within 30–60 minutes), you can typically eat and drink normally unless specifically instructed otherwise by Dr. Tiong. If a numbing throat spray was used, you may be advised to wait until the sensation has fully returned before consuming hot liquids or solid food to ensure safe swallowing.

Do I need a referral?

While a GP referral is preferred to ensure we have your full medical history and results on hand, Dr. Tiong does accept self-referrals for private consultations. Please note that most health insurance providers require a GP referral to process a claim.

Gastroscopy & Upper GI Diagnostics

Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic assessment of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Dr. Jimmy Tiong provides high-definition imaging to identify the underlying causes of reflux, swallowing disorders, and persistent abdominal pain.

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Dr. Jimmy Tiong | JT Gastro | Christchurch

International Expertise in Upper GI Health

A Gastroscopy is a vital diagnostic tool for evaluating symptoms that originate in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Combining his New Zealand clinical foundation with advanced international fellowships, Dr. Tiong utilizes a meticulous approach to identify conditions that are often missed in standard assessments. Whether investigating persistent heartburn or complex swallowing disorders, our focus is on providing a definitive diagnosis and a tailored management plan.

Consultations available in English and Mandarin.

Anatomical illustration of human digestive system: stomach, intestines, and liver.

Reflux & Oesophageal Health

Chronic heartburn and acid reflux (GORD) can lead to long-term complications if left unmanaged. We provide high-definition surveillance for Barrett’s Oesophagus and specialised for other oesophageal disorders, including reflux oesophagitis and investigations for eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). By assessing the health of the oesophageal lining, we can determine the most effective medical or therapeutic path to prevent tissue damage and improve your quality of life.

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Stomach & Duodenal Investigation

For patients experiencing persistent indigestion (dyspepsia), upper abdominal pain, or unexplained nausea, a gastroscopy can provide very useful diagnostic clues. Gastroscopy can assess for the presence of peptic ulcers, H. pylori infections, and Coeliac Disease through tissue biopsies if required. This "gold standard" investigation allows us to rule out serious pathology and provide you with a data-driven diagnosis.

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Advanced Therapeutic Procedures

Beyond diagnosis, a gastroscopy allows for therapeutic intervention. Dr. Tiong performs specialized procedures including gastric polyps resections, oesophageal variceal banding to prevent bleeding, oesophageal dilatations (stretching) for swallowing difficulties and BOTOX® injections for oesophageal motility disorder. These minimally invasive treatments can provide effective symptom relief and prevent associated future complications

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Beyond the Standard Gastroscopy

In addition to traditional endoscopy, we offer a suite of advanced investigations for complex cases (through partnership with other GI clinics):

Capsule Endoscopy: A non-invasive "pill camera" to visualize the small bowel where traditional scopes cannot reach.

Oesophageal Manometry: Specialised testing to look for abnormalities of oesophageal muscle contractions during swallowing.

SIBO Breath Testing: A non-invasive diagnostic for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which is a potential cause of chronic bloating or gas symptoms.

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Patient Comfort & Safety (The 3-Step Process)

Following an Endoscopic Fellowship at Christchurch Hospital, Jimmy specialises in high-volume diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Step 1: Preparation: Fasting for at least 6 hours prior to ensure a clear view of the stomach.

Step 2: Comfort: Performed under safe, conscious sedation to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable. The procedure typically takes only 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Recovery: Rapid recovery in our modern suite with a preliminary report provided by Dr. Tiong before you leave.

FAQ

Is gastroscopy painful?

Most people experience little to no discomfort thanks to sedation and meticulous endoscope insertion techniques. A numbing spray to the back of the throat is also used to minimise discomfort. A mild-to-moderate bloating sensation is common after gastroscopy due to the medical gas used to allow for an adequate mucosal inspection.
Will I be awake?

You will usually be given conscious sedation, which relaxes you for the procedure, but doesn’t completely “knock you out” like a general anaesthesia. However, people often fall asleep during the earlier part of the procedure, and may not have memory of the procedure due to the sedative effects.
How soon can I eat after the procedure?

Once your sedation has worn off (usually within 30–60 minutes), you can typically eat and drink normally unless specifically instructed otherwise by Dr. Tiong. If a numbing throat spray was used, you may be advised to wait until the sensation has fully returned before consuming hot liquids or solid food to ensure safe swallowing.
Do I need a referral?

While a GP referral is preferred to ensure we have your full medical history and results on hand, Dr. Tiong does accept self-referrals for private consultations. Please note that most health insurance providers require a GP referral to process a claim.

Expert Endoscopy in Safe Hands.

Dr. Tiong is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider. Most procedures are fully covered by major health insurance providers.

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