Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a test that allows us to look directly at the lining of your gullet,
stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
The gastroscope is a long flexible tube, thinner than your index finger, with a bright light
at the end.
It is passed through your mouth.
What are the benefits of having a gastroscopy?
This test allows us to see, diagnose or treat most problems immediately.
We can take biopsies, or give medication via the scope if necessary.
If you have a narrowing in your oesophagus we may be able to stretch this, using a small
balloon.
This may be uncomfortable.
Getting ready for the procedure
If you are taking Warfarin, Clopidogrel, or any other blood thinning drugs, except Aspirin,
please contact us for advice.
If you are taking diabetic medication or insulin, please contact us for advice.
Please take all other prescribed medication as usual,
unless specifically advised not to.
If you answer yes to either of the following questions, please contact us for advice.
Have you ever been notified that you are at increased risk of CJD or vCJD,
for public health purposes?
Have you received multiple (50 units or, on more than 20 occasions) transfusions of blood
or blood products since 1980.
Please have nothing to eat for 6 hours before your appointment time.
You may drink water up to 2 hours before your appointment time.
You may be in the Endoscopy Unit for 3 hours.
However, sometimes we may have to attend to emergencies, which must take priority
and therefore your wait may be longer.
Please note, your appointment time is for arrival in the department and not the time
of your procedure.
Can I have sedation for the procedure?
Yes, but you must have someone to collect you from the unit
and stay with you for 24 hours.
Sedation is a relaxant, not a general anaesthetic.
What are the risks and consequences?
Most gastroscopies are straightforward, but you may have a sore throat, or suffer from
a little wind in your stomach, but this will quickly settle.
Very rare complications - less than 1 in 1000 procedures include reaction to medication
or bleeding.
A much rarer complication is perforation (making a small tear in the lining of the gullet,
stomach or duodenum) which would require you to stay in hospital and in some cases may
need an operation.
Please be assured that these complications are extremely rare.
It is important, however that you seek medical advice from your GP if you experience any
of the following symptoms, after your procedure:
Severe pain in your chest or stomach
Pass black tarry stools
Vomit dark brown or bright red blood
If you are concerned about any of these risks, or have any questions,
please speak to a health professional on the day.
Alternative treatments
Your consultant has recommended this procedure as being the best option.
However sometimes a barium swallow or barium meal may be performed instead,
however treatments cannot be undertaken during these procedures,
therefore you may have to undergo a
gastroscopy at a later date.
What should I expect?
On arrival at the Endoscopy Unit the receptionist will check your details.
A nurse will then ask you a number of general health questions.
A nurse or doctor will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form.
If you have any questions or worries at this point please raise them.
It is important that you are as relaxed as possible for the procedure.
Your throat will be sprayed with a local anaesthetic, and if you have chosen to have sedation a
small plastic tube will be inserted into a suitable vein, you will then be made comfortable
lying on your left side.
A mouthguard will be placed between your teeth (or gums if you have dentures, as these will
need to removed).
The mouthguard is used to keep your mouth slightly open and to prevent the tube from
being bitten.
The nurse or doctor will pass the tube over your tongue to the back of your throat and
may ask you to swallow.
Once the scope is in the oesophagus, air will be passed through to swell the oesophagus,
stomach and duodenum to enable us to have a clear view.
This can sometimes be uncomfortable.
The procedure should only take a few minutes and a nurse will be with you throughout.
You will need to remain in the department for a short time following the procedure.
When do I get the results?
A nurse will usually give you the results before you leave the unit.
However, if you have had biopsies taken, these have to go to the laboratory for examination.
This will take up to 2 weeks and the results will be sent to your GP.
Discharge information and at home advice
If you have had sedation this will remain in your body for 24 hours and during this
time it will be gradually excreted.
For the first 24 hours after your procedure you should:
Ensure that a responsible adult stays at home with you for 24 hours.
Rest quietly at home for the rest of the day - go to bed or lie on the settee.
Drink plenty of fluids, but not too much tea or coffee.
Eat a light diet eg. Soup or sandwiches.
Avoid greasy or heavy food as this may cause you to feel sick.
Lie flat if you feel faint or dizzy.
Contact your GP if you have not passed urine 12 hours after your procedure.
Therefore there are certain things you should not do:
Drive, your insurance company may refuse to meet any claims if they feel you have driven
too soon.
Go back to work.
Operate any domestic appliances or machinery.
Drink alcohol.
Make any important decisions or sign important documents.
Be responsible for small children.
If you have any queries regarding your appointment or about your test
please contact the Endoscopy Unit.