You have been advised by your GP or hospital doctor to have an investigation known as a Gastroscopy.
This procedure requires your formal consent.
This booklet has been written to enable you to make an informed decision in relation to agreeing to the investigation. At the back of the booklet is your consent form.
The consent form is a legal document, by reading this information booklet it will help you make an informed decision to undergo the procedure. On the day of your procedure the nurses will provide explanation of the procedure and the benefits and risks associated.
REMEMBER TO BRING THE BOOKLET AND CONSENT FORM WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
Please be aware we are a Teaching Hospital and may have trainees in any areas of your pathway. They will always be supervised and they will always be working at an appropriate level for their training stage. If you would rather not have a trainee involved in your care please let the staff know your wishes. This will not affect your care
A Gastroscopy is a test that allows the endoscopist (doctor or nurse performing the test) to look into your upper gastro-intestinal tract. This is done by passing a long flexible tube (gastroscope) through your mouth, passing over your tongue to the back of your throat, down your gullet (oesophagus), into your stomach and into the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). The gastroscope has a small camera attached which is connected to a monitor system where images of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum can be seen.
By performing a Gastroscopy examination the cause of your symptoms may be found and sometimes we are able to treat them there and then. Images (for your medical notes) and samples of the lining of your upper gastrointestinal tract (biopsies) may be taken with instruments passed down a channel in the endoscope.
A Gastroscopy is a safe examination but there are risks you need to be aware of. Common risks include, sore throat and bloating. Rarely patients may experience dental damage, chest infection, bleeding or perforation. If a perforation (a tear in your oesophagus, stomach or duodenum) occurs you may be required to stay in hospital for close observation and in some cases may require surgery to repair it. If you have a sedative rarely you may experience nausea and vomiting or heart and breathing problems.
An alternative to a Gastroscopy is a barium meal / swallow. This is an X-ray based test. It does not provide very detailed images of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It does not allow biopsies or treatment to be carried out at the same time therefore you may still require a Gastroscopy examination
Please make sure you follow the instructions in this leaflet and on your appointment letter. It is important to inform the unit if you are unable to attend your Gastroscopy appointment, please telephone the numbers on the back of this leaflet. Your appointment can be given to another person if you do not require it.
Take any medication you are on up to 2 hours before your Gastroscopy with water.
If you are having an Open Access Gastroscopy (a routine test referred straight from your GP) you must stop taking acid suppressing drugs 2 weeks before your procedure. These drugs include Omeprazole (Losec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Zoton) and Pantoprazole (Pariet).
If you are taking medication for DIABETES please refer to the specific diabetic patient information provided:
Guidance for Managing Diabetes for Gastroscopy / EUS / ERCP Guidance for Managing Diabetes for Gastroscopy & Sigmoidoscopy or Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy (known as Dual Procedure).
This will give you clear instructions on what to do with your medication (including insulin) during the preparation for your test. If you have not received a copy of this leaflet, could you please contact us via the phone numbers on the back of this leaflet and request a copy. You must have nothing to eat for 6 hours before your gastroscopy appointment (except medication). Your stomach needs to be empty to ensure a clear view and to reduce the risk of aspiration. You may continue to drink water for up to 2 hours before your appointment time.
Many patients are concerned about the thought of swallowing the endoscope. We would like to reassure you that the test is not painful but you may experience some discomfort.
You will be able to breathe normally and although it feels unusual, you will still be able to swallow. Before the Gastroscopy the nursing staff will admit you to the unit and fully explain the test to you whilst answering any questions or concerns you may have.
Please bring a list of your medication with you on the day. Please leave valuables and jewellery at home where possible as we unfortunately are unable to look after these.
You will be asked to sign a consent form for the Gastroscopy.
You will then be taken to a seated area where you will wait to be called into the room for your Gastroscopy. Your appointment time takes into account the time required to admit you onto the unit. You should therefore not expect to immediately go through for the test when called. You will be in the department for up to 4 hours. Please note we usually have 6 different lists running consecutively, this may mean some people will have to wait longer than others, even with the same appointment time.
In the endoscopy room you will have the Gastroscopy whilst lying on your left side on a trolley. The procedure will be made more comfortable with throat spray to numb your throat or you may choose to be sedated.
A Gastroscopy lasts approximately 10 - 20 minutes. Following your test you will be transferred to the recovery area to be observed.
Details of your results and discharge advice will be given before leaving the unit. Biopsy results will be communicated by the referring clinician at a later date.
• Prior to the Gastroscopy you will be given a throat spray to numb the back of your throat. This reduces the sensation of the scope in your mouth and throat and helps to reduce ‘gagging’.
• The endoscopist and nurses will explain things to you during the test.
• You will be able to breathe and swallow normally but it will feel strange.
• You will be able to leave the department when your discharge information is ready (approximately 20 - 40 minutes).
• You should not eat and drink for 60 minutes following throat spray administration to allow the numbness to wear off.
• You may experience a sore throat following the Gastroscopy and some bloating but this will soon settle.
• You do not need an escort with you if you have throat spray but you may wish to have someone accompany you on the day
• You will need a cannula (small plastic tube) in your hand or arm through which a mild sedation is given.
• The sedation is a conscious sedation which should relax you but will not put you to sleep, it is not a general anaesthetic nor will it numb the throat like the throat spray.
• You will be awake and aware during the procedure with sedation.
• Sedation may cause loss of memory and judgement for 24 hours after the test. You should not:
1.Drive
2.Drink alcohol
3.Operate machinery
4.Sign legal documents
• If your job involves any of the above you will need to take the day off work following the sedation.
• You are able to swallow, although this may feel unusual during the Gastroscopy.
• After the Gastroscopy you will recover for about half an hour and will then be offered a drink and biscuits.
• You may experience a sore throat and some bloating following the test but this will soon settle.
A responsible adult must accompany you home from the unit. This is due to the effects of the sedation, they must remain with you for the rest of the day and overnight following a sedative.
Access from the main hospital multistorey car park
We are located in Area 6 - Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, highlighted in orange on the main hospital map. Follow the signs for the Main Hospital up the escalator/lift towards Area 6, second corridor on the left. Follow the signs down the link corridor, exit to the right via the side door (external) which is signposted for Patient Entrance to Reception.
Access for drop off/collection only & disability parking
Enter via East Park Drive and follow the road up the hill, take the second left signposted for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Drop Off only, follow the road round to the right.
