During gastroscopy or upper endoscopy an endoscope (a thin flexible tube with a camera at the tip) is passed through the throat into the food pipe, stomach and first part of the small bowel. It allows the doctor to inspect these areas for any abnormalities as well as perform specialised procedures such as biopsies, removal of polyps and inserting stents.
Gastroscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of
indigestion
upper abdominal pain
nausea/vomiting
difficulty swallowing
weight loss.
diarrhoea
Gastroscopy is a very accurate test for detecting
inflammation,
ulcers
tumours in the upper GI tract.
Helicobacter Pylori infection
coeliac disease
Gastroscopy is also used to treat conditions of the upper GI tract.
dilate a stricture in the food pipe,
remove polyps
treat bleeding.
An empty stomach is essential for a safe and accurate examination. You should have nothing to eat for 6 hours, and nothing to drink (including water) for 2 hours before the examination.
Please inform Dr Fazal if you are taking any blood thinners or anti-diabetic medications. You might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination. Discuss any allergies to medications, and medical conditions such as heart or lung disease with Dr Fazal.
A light anaesthetic (twilight sedative) is used for the procedure. You will not receive a full general anaesthetic. You may be slightly aware of what is going on in the room, but generally you won’t remember anything. The back of your throat may be sprayed with local anaesthetic to make it numb. A small mouthguard will be put between your teeth to protect them. A highly qualified anaesthetist and nursing staff will monitor your vital signs during the procedure and will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible.
The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Once sedated and lying in a comfortable position on your left side, the endoscope is passed through the mouth and then in turn through the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. A small camera at the end of the scope transmits a video image to a monitor, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the lining of your upper GI tract.
You will be monitored in the recovery area until effects of sedation have worn off. You will be given something to ear and drink after the procedure, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Your doctor will briefly inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure. A follow-up appointment may be made to discuss the test results more fully. The results of any biopsies or samples taken will take a few days.
Because of the sedation given it is very important that you do not drive a car, travel on public transport alone, operate machinery, sign legal documents or drink alcohol on the same day after the test. It is strongly advised that a friend or relative take you home and stay with you.
Although complications can occur, they are rare when the procedure is performed by doctors who are specially trained in gastroscopy.
You may have a slightly sore throat after the procedure. Air may also be trapped in your stomach causing you to feel bloated. If a biopsy has been taken or treatment performed, there may be minor bleeding. Very rarely, a perforation can occur and if this occurs you will be admitted to hospital for an operation to repair it.
Reactions to the sedative are also possible, but again are quite rare. In a few cases, if the gastroscopy is not successfully completed it may need to be repeated.
If you have any of the following symptoms in the hours or days after the gastroscopy
Fever
Increasing throat, chest or abdominal pain
Blood vomit or black bowel motions
Other symptoms that cause you concern
You should contact the hospital or your doctor’s rooms immediately using the contact details as above.