By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist (UK-trained) in Dubai
Gastroscopy assessment and procedure in Dubai
Gastroscopy, also called upper GI endoscopy, examines the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel. Dr Pranab Gyawali assesses whether the test is appropriate, reviews relevant medicines and medical history, performs the gastroscopy and explains the findings and next steps.
The procedure is carried out in a JCI accredited facility in Dubai. Propofol based intravenous sedation is generally used. This is not a general anaesthetic. An anaesthetist is involved in every propofol sedated gastroscopy and supervises the sedation and monitoring throughout. The sedation plan is selected for the individual patient in accordance with the UAE national standards for endoscopy services.
Procedure
Gastroscopy or upper GI endoscopy
Doctor
Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Procedure time
Usually 10 to 15 minutes
Total visit
Allow approximately three hours, including preparation and recovery
Sedation
Propofol based intravenous sedation supervised by an anaesthetist
Preparation
Four hours completely nil by mouth, including no water
Afterwards
Food is offered after full recovery. Do not drive after sedation
Insurance and self pay
Insurance requirements vary. The self pay fee is confirmed before booking
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Quick answers about gastroscopy in Dubai
Do I need a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy may be considered for persistent upper abdominal pain, reflux that is not settling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, bleeding, unexplained anaemia or weight loss. Dr Pranab first reviews whether gastroscopy is the most appropriate next step.
Is gastroscopy painful, and will I be sedated?
Propofol based intravenous sedation is generally used. It is not a general anaesthetic, but patients are usually very relaxed and may have little or no awareness of the procedure. An anaesthetist supervises the sedation and monitoring throughout.
Can I have the consultation and gastroscopy on the same visit?
For self pay patients, this may be possible when arranged and medically reviewed in advance. Insurance patients usually require consultation and insurer authorisation, so the gastroscopy is generally scheduled separately.
How long does gastroscopy take from start to finish?
The procedure usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Allow approximately three hours for admission, preparation, sedation, the examination and recovery.
How long do I need to fast before gastroscopy?
You must remain completely nil by mouth for four hours before the procedure. This means no food and no drinks, including water. Follow the preparation instructions provided for your appointment.
What can a gastroscopy detect?
Gastroscopy can identify inflammation, ulcers, narrowing, bleeding, Barrett's oesophagus and other abnormalities. Biopsies may be taken because some conditions can only be diagnosed under the microscope.
When will I receive the results?
Dr Pranab explains the visual findings after recovery. Biopsy results are generally available within three to five days, followed by a doctor review to explain the findings and confirm the next steps.
Is gastroscopy covered by insurance in Dubai?
Gastroscopy is usually covered when medically indicated, but policy tier, network and approval requirements vary. The coordinator can check your policy. Self pay patients receive the confirmed fee before booking.
I have extensive experience of gastroscopy and colonoscopy, working at consultant level since 2008 in the UK and practising in the UAE since 2022. In my experience, propofol based sedation helps patients remain calm and comfortable during gastroscopy, and I have preferred this approach in Dubai.
Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
What happens when gastroscopy is arranged?
Assessment and planning
Dr Pranab reviews your symptoms, reason for the test, medical history, current medicines and previous results. Blood thinning medicines and other relevant treatments are reviewed individually.
Preparation
You remain completely nil by mouth for four hours before the procedure, including no water. Follow the exact instructions provided by the booking team.
Gastroscopy and biopsy
A thin flexible endoscope passes through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It does not interfere with breathing. Small biopsies can be taken without the patient feeling them.
Recovery and findings
You are monitored until fully recovered. Food is then offered and Dr Pranab explains the visual findings. You may go home afterwards but must not drive following sedation.
What happens during gastroscopy?
This short educational video gives a visual explanation of gastroscopy and how the upper digestive tract is examined.
What problems can gastroscopy investigate?
Gastroscopy can investigate persistent reflux, swallowing difficulty, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, iron deficiency anaemia, unexplained weight loss and abnormal scan findings.
It can identify oesophagitis, Barrett's oesophagus, gastritis, peptic ulcers, narrowing, polyps, coeliac disease and other abnormalities. It may also be used for treatment, such as controlling certain bleeding sites, removing selected abnormalities or widening a narrowing when clinically appropriate.
Is gastroscopy safe?
Diagnostic gastroscopy is generally safe and serious complications are uncommon. Possible risks include a reaction to sedation, bleeding, damage to teeth or dental work, aspiration and a tear in the digestive tract. The risk can be higher when treatment is performed during the procedure.
Dr Pranab reviews your medical history and medicines before the test and explains the benefits, alternatives and individual risks before consent.
When should I seek help after gastroscopy?
Follow the discharge instructions provided. Seek prompt medical help for severe or increasing chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, fever, vomiting blood or black stools after the procedure.
Related upper digestive conditions
Request a gastroscopy assessment in Dubai
If you have been advised to consider gastroscopy, have persistent upper digestive symptoms or need help understanding whether the procedure is appropriate, request an assessment using the form below or contact the Admin Team on WhatsApp.