Patient guide · Procedure prep
An upper endoscopy — also called a gastroscopy — lets Dr. Maaz look directly at your food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small bowel. It's a short, safe procedure, and preparing well makes it quick and comfortable.
A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera is passed gently through your mouth to examine the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and duodenum. It helps find the cause of heartburn, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, or bleeding, and allows painless biopsies. It usually takes only 5–15 minutes.
Your stomach must be empty. Following the fasting instructions carefully keeps the procedure safe and lets Dr. Maaz see everything clearly.
The clinic will give you precise fasting times based on your appointment slot. If anything here differs from what you were told, follow the clinic's instructions.
For the rest of the day, don't drive, operate machinery, sign important documents, or drink alcohol. Have someone with you at home if possible.
Yes. The tube goes down the food pipe, not the windpipe, so breathing is unaffected. Your oxygen is monitored throughout.
It shouldn't. With throat spray you may feel some pressure; with sedation most people remember little. Relaxing and breathing slowly minimises gagging.
Yes — many choose throat spray alone, which means no recovery time and you can drive home. Dr. Maaz will help you decide.
Usually about an hour later, once any throat numbness has fully worn off. Start with something soft and cool.
The clinic team is happy to guide you through it.
This guide provides general information only and does not replace personal medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr. Maaz and the clinic. For emergencies, contact Shifa International Hospital or your nearest emergency department.