Gastroscopy

This test is performed to investigate symptoms such as reflux, pain, nausea and difficulty swallowing to name a few. Biopsies are samples of tissue which may be performed for many reasons including looking for infection, testing that the small bowel is functioning well and diagnosing tissues which don't look normal, including conditions such as coeliac disease and pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. We can pass instruments through the endoscope to directly treat many abnormalities with little or no discomfort, for example; stretching a narrowed area, removing polyps or treating bleeding.

An empty stomach is essential for a safe examination, so you should have nothing to eat for 6 hours and nothing to drink for at least 3 hours before the examination. We will tell you when to start fasting. Tell us in advance about any medications you take; you might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination, this is particularly important if you are diabetic. 

Your procedure will be done under deep sedation with an anaesthetist. You will lie on your left side for the procedure. The endoscope doesn't interfere with your breathing. You are unlikely to remember anything of the procedure.

You will be monitored until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat might be a little sore, and you might feel bloated because of the air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be able to eat after you leave unless we instruct you otherwise. You must arrange for someone to accompany you home because the sedatives may affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day. If you have sedation you must not drive until the next day.

Although complications can occur, they are extremely rare. Bleeding can occur at a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed, but it's usually minimal and rarely requires follow-up. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedative used, complications from heart or lung diseases, and perforation (a tear in the gastrointestinal tract lining). If you have a fever after the test, trouble swallowing or increasing throat, chest or abdominal pain, please contact us immediately.