A gastroscopy is a procedure during which an endoscope (a long, thin flexible tube with a video camera at the end) is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. It allows your doctor to examine and treat conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
A gastroscopy requires very little preparation. For safety reasons, and to ensure adequate visualization, it is essential that your stomach is completely empty. You should therefore have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your gastroscopy.
Whilst most medications can be taken as usual with a sip of water on the day of your procedure, some medications need to be stopped, or have their dose altered.
You should notify us at least 7 days prior to your procedure if you are taking:
Please bring your referral, a full list of your medications and your Medicare card on the day of your procedure.
A gastroscopy is often done to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and low iron levels. A gastroscopy is also performed to monitor the progress of certain conditions including coeliac disease, and to check the progress of pre-cancerous changes that may have been previously detected.
Immediately before the gastroscopy your throat will be sprayed with a local anaesthetic, and a small plastic mouthguard will be placed between your teeth to stop you biting the endoscope.” Please replace with “Immediately before your gastroscopy, a small plastic mouthguard will be placed to protect your teeth and the gastroscope.
Following the procedure you will be monitored in the recovery area until most of the sedative medication has worn off. You will then be offered something to eat and drink. Because of the sedative medication, it is essential that you have a friend or relative take you home and stay with you for several hours. It is strongly recommended that you do not drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents on the same day after the test.
Overall a gastroscopy is a very safe procedure that most patients tolerate extremely well. The most common side effects include mild throat soreness, and abdominal discomfort related to retained air in the stomach. More serious but rare complications can occur and include bleeding, or a tear in the lining of the stomach (perforation). If this happens you will be admitted to hospital for an operation to repair it.
Please contact our rooms or your nearest emergency department if you have concerns or experience any of the following symptoms following your gastroscopy:
Your Gastroenterologist will discuss having a gastroscopy with you in detail on the day of your procedure, however if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Early detection is key. Schedule your colonoscopy to screen for polyps, cancer, and other conditions.
