Preparing Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy) Records for Review in China

What a gastroscopy records review can and cannot confirm

A records-based review is a way to have your existing gastroscopy or upper endoscopy material looked at before you decide whether to travel. It is not the same as a new examination. The reviewing clinician works from documents and images, not from seeing you directly, so the opinion is provisional.

A review can help identify whether key documents are missing, whether the original question was fully answered, and whether a repeat endoscopy, further imaging or a specialist consultation may be worth discussing. It cannot confirm a diagnosis on its own, cannot establish hospital acceptance, and cannot guarantee that a particular procedure will be offered. Final decisions rest with the treating hospital and licensed clinicians after they assess you.

If you currently have severe or worsening symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, seek local medical care promptly rather than delaying for an overseas review.

• Useful for: organising scattered reports, clarifying what was already done, preparing questions for a specialist.
• Not a substitute for: physical examination, a new endoscopy, biopsy, or emergency assessment.
• Cannot promise: diagnosis, treatment, hospital acceptance or a specific outcome.

Gastroscopy and upper endoscopy procedure reference

Which gastroscopy records to prepare

The most useful file is a complete, legible set rather than a large but disorganised one. Start with the endoscopy report itself, including the date, the indication, what was seen, whether biopsies were taken, and any immediate findings. If images or a video were saved, include them in their original format where possible.

Next, include the pathology report for any biopsy or polyp removed during the procedure. If you have had more than one endoscopy, send each report in date order so the reviewer can see change over time. Relevant imaging such as CT, MRI or barium studies, plus recent blood tests, can also help put the endoscopy findings in context.

A short medication and allergy list matters because sedation and some procedures require the clinical team to review what you take. Do not stop or change any medicine on your own; the treating team must give instructions. A brief summary of your main question, in plain language, helps the reviewer focus on what you actually want answered.

• Endoscopy report with date, indication, findings and whether biopsies were taken.
• Pathology report for any biopsy or removed tissue.
• Earlier endoscopy or imaging reports in date order.
• Current medication list, allergy list and relevant blood test results.
• A one-paragraph summary of your main question.

How to share records without sending everything at once

You do not need to send a complete medical archive at first contact. A brief summary by the enquiry form, email or WhatsApp is enough to start. After that, the team can explain how to share specific documents securely if a review or appointment route is being considered.

When you do send records, label each file clearly with the document type and date. If a report is in a language other than English or Chinese, ask whether a translation is needed before the review. Do not send passport numbers, card details or payment information through an article or initial enquiry form.

Keep your original documents. Send copies or scans, and retain the originals for any in-person visit. If a hospital later asks for a specific document, you will then know exactly where it is.

• Start with a short summary, not the full archive.
• Label files by type and date.
• Ask about translation requirements before the review.
• Never send identity or payment details in an initial enquiry.

Plan your medical care

Questions to ask before a repeat or further endoscopy

If a review suggests that a repeat gastroscopy or another test may be useful, the next step is to understand why. Ask what the new procedure would add that the previous one did not show, and whether the original images and pathology are adequate for the question being asked.

Preparation instructions for any endoscopy, including fasting and medication guidance, must come from the treating team. Sedation is commonly used for upper endoscopy, but it may not be needed in every case, and the decision belongs to the clinician. If sedation is used, you will need a prearranged ride home and should not drive afterward.

After any procedure, some findings such as biopsy results may be reported later than the visual findings. Ask when and how results will be shared, and who to contact if you feel unwell. Worsening chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, bloody vomit, black stools or fever after a procedure need prompt medical attention.

• What would a repeat procedure add?
• Are the original images and pathology adequate?
• What preparation and medication instructions apply?
• How and when will results be communicated?

Practical next step for a records review in China

An initial enquiry is free. You can send a brief summary of your situation and your main question, and the team will check what information is available and suggest a relevant next step. This is not a diagnosis or a promise of acceptance.

If you decide to proceed, the team can explain how to share records for a records-based opinion or how to request specialist appointment coordination. Hospital consultation fees, tests and treatment are separate from any coordination fee, and the treating hospital makes the final decision on suitability and care.

• Free initial case review to identify missing information.
• Optional records-based opinion while you remain at home.
• Specialist appointment coordination if you decide to travel.
• Hospital charges and coordination fees are separate.