Gastroscopy

Before scheduling your gastroscopy, it’s necessary to attend an initial appointment to discuss the procedure and its requirements. During this meeting, your expert will go over the consent form with you, ensuring you receive comprehensive information about the process to help you decide if it is the right option for you. We encourage you to ask any questions and share any concerns you might have.

Preparing for a gastroscopy

To prepare for the gastroscopy, you will be given instructions to follow before the procedure. This includes:

• Fasting – to allow for a clear view of the upper gastrointestinal tract, you will typically be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a certain period before the procedure. This period of fasting is 6 hours prior to the gastroscopy. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding the fasting period.
• Medication adjustments – inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking, especially blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or medications that affect blood clotting. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications before the procedure. Ensure you take your routine medication with a small amount of water as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. It’s also important to inform your doctor if you have any allergies or sensitivities.

• Patients with diabetes should continue their regular blood glucose monitoring before the procedure to ensure their levels are stable. It is also important to bring glucose tablets to the appointment in case of low blood sugar.

Before the procedure, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You can choose to have a sedative to help you relax, and a local anaesthetic spray will be offered to the back of your throat to numb the area and minimise any discomfort.

You will lie on your left side on an examination table. A mouthguard or a plastic mouthpiece may be placed between your teeth to prevent damage to the endoscope and to protect your teeth during the procedure.

The gastroenterologist will gently insert the thin, flexible tube called an endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope has a light and a camera on its tip, allowing the doctor to see the inside of your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A small suction tube may be used to remove saliva and other secretions to maintain a clear airway during the procedure.

The slender, flexible tube used during a gastroscopy is completely safe and will not interfere with your breathing. This is because it travels down your food pipe, not your windpipe.

The endoscope is carefully advanced through your oesophagus and into your stomach and duodenum. The camera on the endoscope transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of your upper digestive system.

To enhance visibility, a small amount of air may be gently introduced into your stomach through the endoscope. This may cause you to feel temporarily bloated.

If any abnormalities are found during the gastroscopy, the doctor may perform a biopsy using small instruments passed through the endoscope, this does not cause pain. This process involves taking small tissue samples for further examination in the laboratory. Additionally, certain therapeutic procedures, such as the removal of polyps or application of treatments, may be carried out during the gastroscopy.

Once the examination is complete, the tube is withdrawn.

Sedation options

You may be offered sedation to help you relax during the procedure. This can be administered through a small plastic tube (cannula) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. Sedation can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

After the procedure, you’ll be taken by the specialist nurse to the recovery ward and be monitored until the sedative wears off. It’s important to note that if you used a sedative, you might not remember much of the procedure and, as you won’t be able to drive, you will need a companion to take you home.

After the procedure, careful monitoring of your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, will be conducted to ensure your safety.

The team will book in another appointment with you to go through your results.

Common side effects and complications

Common side effects of a gastroscopy may include a hoarse voice or a numb feeling in the mouth. It is also common to feel full and experience burping after the procedure. A mild sore throat is a possible typical side effect.

While complications are rare, they can occur. These may include bleeding or injury to the upper digestive tract caused by the gastroscope, though this is very rare. There is also a risk of complications from sedatives, which could lead to breathing or cardiovascular problems. Moreover, some patients might have trouble concentrating and feel tired for several hours following the procedure.