๐ฌ Endoscopy Center · Apgujeong Hana Clinic
Gastroscopy Seoul
English-supported upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Gangnam to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine— with preparation guidance, sedation assessment, biopsy when clinically indicated and clear follow-up.
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Upper GI visual examination
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Biopsy when indicated
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English result guidance
Upper GI Examination Route
Visual inspection
Oesophagus
Stomach
Duodenum
A thin flexible endoscope passes through the mouth while a camera transmits detailed images to the examination monitor.
CAMERA
Direct mucosal viewing
SAMPLING
Small biopsy if needed
RESULTS
Findings and next steps
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Direct Examination
The doctor views the lining of the upper digestive tract in real time.
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Biopsy Capability
Tiny tissue samples may be collected without a separate incision.
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English Support
Preparation, procedure and follow-up instructions are explained clearly.
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English-Supported Gastroscopy
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Internal-Medicine Assessment
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Biopsy & H. pylori Evaluation When Indicated
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Apgujeong · Gangnam
What Is Gastroscopy?
A camera examination of the upper digestive tract.
Gastroscopy—also called upper GI endoscopy, EGD or oesophagogastroduodenoscopy—uses a thin flexible tube with a light and camera.
The endoscope is guided through the mouth to inspect the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Images can reveal inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, narrowing, growths and other mucosal changes.
During the same examination, the doctor may take photographs, collect small tissue samples or perform limited treatment when clinically appropriate.
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Oesophagus
Assesses reflux-related injury, inflammation, narrowing, swallowing-related concerns and suspicious mucosal changes.
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Stomach
Examines for gastritis, ulcers, bleeding, polyps, masses and changes that may require biopsy.
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Duodenum
Views the first part of the small intestine for ulcers, inflammation and selected absorption-related conditions.
Why Gastroscopy May Be Recommended
Symptoms, abnormal tests and prevention needs can all lead to upper endoscopy.
The decision depends on your symptoms, age, medical history, medication use and previous test results. Not every digestive symptom requires immediate endoscopy.
Persistent Reflux or Heartburn
Ongoing symptoms, treatment failure or warning features may require direct examination of the oesophagus and stomach.
Upper Abdominal Pain
Recurring pain, indigestion, early fullness or unexplained discomfort may prompt evaluation for gastritis, ulcer disease or other causes.
Difficulty Swallowing
Food sticking, painful swallowing or progressive swallowing difficulty requires careful medical assessment.
Bleeding or Anaemia
Black stool, vomiting blood, iron-deficiency anaemia or unexplained blood loss may require urgent or planned gastroscopy.
Persistent Nausea or Vomiting
Repeated symptoms, unexplained weight loss or inability to maintain nutrition may need upper GI evaluation.
Screening or Surveillance
Age, family history, previous gastric findings or local screening recommendations may influence examination timing.
What Gastroscopy Can Detect
Direct visualisation helps identify the location and character of upper GI abnormalities.
Inflammation
Oesophagitis, gastritis and duodenitis can be assessed, photographed and biopsied when necessary.
Peptic Ulcers
Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum may be identified, assessed for bleeding and investigated for underlying causes.
H. pylori-Related Changes
Biopsy-based testing may be used when clinically appropriate to evaluate Helicobacter pylori infection.
Bleeding Sources
Active or recent upper GI bleeding may be located, and selected bleeding lesions can sometimes be treated endoscopically.
Polyps or Growths
Raised lesions, masses or unusual mucosal changes can be documented and sampled for laboratory examination.
Narrowing or Structural Change
Strictures, rings, hiatal changes and other anatomical findings may help explain swallowing or reflux symptoms.
Biopsy & H. pylori Assessment
A biopsy is a small tissue sample—not major surgery.
From endoscopic finding to laboratory answer
When an area needs closer assessment, tiny forceps pass through the endoscope to collect a small sample.
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AREA IDENTIFIED
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SAMPLE TAKEN
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LAB REVIEW
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Histology
Laboratory examination can help distinguish inflammation, precancerous change, cancer and other tissue abnormalities.
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H. pylori Testing
Selected stomach biopsies may be tested for H. pylori, a bacterium linked with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
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Usually Not Felt
The lining of the digestive tract does not experience biopsy in the same way as a skin incision, although the procedure itself may feel uncomfortable.
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Results Take Longer
The visual findings may be discussed first, while pathology or laboratory results require additional processing time.
A normal-looking stomach does not always eliminate the need for biopsy
Some conditions are diagnosed microscopically. Conversely, not every patient needs a biopsy. The decision is made during the examination based on clinical indication and visible findings.
Preparing For Gastroscopy
Safe examination requires an empty stomach and a complete medicine review.
Follow the clinic’s exact written instructions. Fasting requirements, water allowances and medicine changes vary according to the appointment, sedation plan and medical history.
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Share Your Medical History
Report heart or lung disease, sleep apnoea, pregnancy, allergies, previous sedation problems and major dental work.
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Review Medicines
Tell the clinic about blood thinners, diabetes medicine, insulin, GLP-1 medicines, supplements and all regular prescriptions.
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Follow Fasting Instructions
Many services require at least six hours without food, but use the clinic’s exact instructions for food, water and medication timing.
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Plan Transport If Sedated
Arrange a responsible adult and avoid driving when sedation is used. Your specific recovery restrictions will be explained.
Do not stop anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicine or diabetes treatment on your own
The medical team will advise whether medication timing needs adjustment. The correct plan depends on bleeding risk, procedure type, glucose control and the reason for the medicine.
What Happens During The Procedure?
A structured examination from check-in to recovery.
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Step 1
Safety Check
Confirm fasting, medicines, allergies, consent, symptoms and whether sedation is planned.
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Step 2
Positioning
You usually lie on your side. Monitoring equipment and a mouth guard may be used.
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Step 3
Scope Passage
The flexible endoscope passes through the mouth while you continue breathing normally.
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Step 4
Inspection & Sampling
The doctor examines the lining, records images and may take biopsies or perform indicated treatment.
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Step 5
Recovery
The scope is removed and you are observed until the team confirms that it is safe to leave.
Comfort & Sedation
The comfort plan is selected for the patient and the procedure.
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Throat Anaesthetic / Unsedated Approach
A local anaesthetic throat spray may reduce gagging and throat sensation. Some patients complete gastroscopy without intravenous sedation.
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Faster recovery for many patients
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No sedative impairment
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Procedure may still feel uncomfortable
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Intravenous Sedation When Appropriate
Sedation can reduce anxiety and awareness but does not always mean full anaesthesia. Suitability depends on health, airway, medicine use and procedure needs.
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Monitoring is required
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Memory and judgement may remain impaired afterward
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Escort and driving restrictions may apply
Tell the team about sleep apnoea, breathing disease and previous sedation reactions
Sedation can affect breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. The safest approach is selected after individual assessment and may differ from your previous endoscopy experience.
After Gastroscopy
Recovery instructions depend on throat spray, sedation and whether treatment was performed.
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Understanding Your Results
The doctor may explain the visual findings after recovery. Biopsy, H. pylori or pathology results may take longer and can change the final diagnosis or treatment plan.
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Eating & Drinking
Wait until throat sensation and swallowing are safe, then follow the clinic’s instructions for fluids and food.
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Temporary Symptoms
A mild sore throat, belching or bloating may occur for a short period after diagnostic gastroscopy.
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After Sedation
Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions for the instructed recovery period.
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Follow-Up
Further treatment may include acid suppression, H. pylori therapy, pathology review, repeat endoscopy or referral.
Important Safety Information
Gastroscopy is commonly performed, but complications can occur.
๐ Tell The Clinic Before The Test
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Blood thinners, antiplatelet medicines and bleeding disorders.
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Diabetes, insulin, GLP-1 medicines or significant fasting concerns.
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Pregnancy, heart disease, lung disease or sleep apnoea.
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Loose teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures or major dental work.
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Allergies and previous reactions to throat spray, sedation or anaesthesia.
โ ๏ธ Potential Complications
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Reaction to sedation, including breathing, heart-rate or blood-pressure problems.
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Bleeding, especially after biopsy or therapeutic intervention.
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Perforation or tear of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum.
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Aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs.
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Dental injury, infection or need for further treatment.
Seek Urgent Medical Advice
Severe or worsening symptoms after gastroscopy require prompt assessment.
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Vomiting Blood or Black Stool
New bleeding, coffee-ground vomit or black tar-like stool requires urgent medical advice.
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Severe Chest or Abdominal Pain
Persistent, worsening or unusual pain can indicate a complication and should not be ignored.
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Fever or Chills
Fever, shaking chills or feeling acutely unwell after the procedure needs assessment.
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Breathing Difficulty
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, blue lips or significant coughing requires urgent help.
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Persistent Vomiting
Repeated vomiting, inability to drink or signs of dehydration should be reported promptly.
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Fainting or Severe Weakness
Collapse, confusion, marked dizziness or rapid deterioration requires emergency evaluation.
Apgujeong, Gangnam
Gastroscopy preparation and follow-up in English.
Apgujeong Hana Clinic supports expats, residents and international patients who need upper digestive evaluation in Seoul.
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328 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KFC Building 3F
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Monday–Friday 09:00–19:00
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Saturday 09:00–13:00
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02) 3443-7550
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Internal-Medicine Evaluation
English-supported medical review of symptoms, medicines, metabolic conditions, sedation considerations and appropriate follow-up before and after gastroscopy.
FAQ
Gastroscopy questions, answered.
Your exact fasting, medication and sedation instructions are individual. Confirm them directly with the clinic before the appointment.
Gastroscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum using a thin flexible camera passed through the mouth.
The procedure is usually described as uncomfortable rather than painful. Throat spray, careful technique and sedation when appropriate can improve comfort.
Not everyone needs intravenous sedation. Some patients use throat anaesthetic alone. The safest and most suitable option is decided after medical review.
Many services require at least six hours without food, but water and medicine instructions vary. Follow the clinic’s exact written instructions rather than relying only on general guidance.
Some medicines can be taken as usual, while blood thinners, diabetes medicines and selected other treatments may require a personalised plan. Do not change them independently.
Yes. When clinically appropriate, small stomach biopsies may be collected for H. pylori testing. Other non-endoscopic tests may also be suitable in some patients.
A small mucosal biopsy is generally not felt as a sharp cut, although patients may still experience pressure, gagging or general discomfort from the gastroscopy.
Visual findings may be discussed after recovery. Biopsy, pathology or H. pylori results require laboratory processing and are available later.
Driving restrictions depend on whether sedation was used. After intravenous sedation, you will need transport and must avoid driving for the instructed period.
Apgujeong Hana Clinic provides English support for booking, preparation guidance, medical review and result follow-up for international patients in Seoul.
Related Endoscopy Services
Upper and lower digestive evaluation may be coordinated when medically appropriate.
English Endoscopy Support
Book your gastroscopy consultation in Gangnam.
Contact Apgujeong Hana Clinic to discuss symptoms, preparation, medicines, sedation suitability and available appointment options.