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A gastroscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract using an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube containing a camera. It is operated by a doctor and enters the body through the mouth. A gastroscopy is performed to investigate a number of symptoms in the upper digestive tract, such as stomach or chest pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Are there any complications?
As with every medical procedure, the risk must be compared to the benefit of having the procedure carried out. The doctor who has requested the test will have considered this very carefully. Gastroscopy is what is known as an invasive procedure and therefore carries risks/complications.
The major risks/complications include:
- Bleeding from the biopsy site or from where a polyp has been removed. This bleeding usually stops spontaneously.
- Small tear or damage to the lining of the oesophagus or stomach. This risk is higher if a polyp is found and removed. You may need an operation to repair any damage.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed under conscious sedation. A local anaesthetic spray is also applied to the back of the throat.
The patient lies on his/her left side with the head resting comfortably on a pillow. A bite guard is placed between the teeth to prevent the patient from biting on the endoscope. The endoscope is then passed over the tongue and into the throat. This is the most uncomfortable stage for the patient as it can feel like choking. Quick and gentle manipulation under vision guides the endoscope into the oesophagus. The endoscope is gradually advanced down the oesophagus making note of any pathology. The endoscope is quickly passed through the stomach and through the pylorus to examine the first and second parts of the duodenum. Once this has been completed, the endoscope is withdrawn into the stomach and a more thorough examination is performed. Still, photographs can be made during the procedure and later shown to the patient to help explain any findings.
At it’s most basic, the endoscope is used to inspect the internal anatomy of the digestive tract. Sometimes inspection alone is insufficient, and a biopsy may be taken. Small biopsies can be made with a pincer which is passed through the scope and allows sampling of 1 to 3 mm pieces of tissue. The lining of the stomach heals readily. Finally, it is important to note that with conscious sedation you are able to cooperate fully with the surgical team but will have no recall of the procedure.
Protocol Preceding Gastroscopy
- NB: If you are taking WARFARIN (blood thinning medication) please advise staff on booking your Gastroscopy. Bloods need to be taken five to seven days before the procedure and medication may need to be stopped.
- Preceding your Gastroscopy, please do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours. Please inform unit staff if you are diabetic as this advice may change.
- Please be here at 06h00 for paperwork to be completed. If there is a change in time of arrival, staff will phone you the day before. Please note that your appointment time is your arrival time and not the time of your procedure. You can expect to be in the Unit from 4 – 6 hours. We try to ensure that all patients are seen and have their tests within a short period of time of arriving at the Unit, but occasionally emergencies take precedence and you may need to wait.
After the procedure
After the procedure, you will be monitored for about an hour and as soon as you are able to swallow, you will be offered tea or coffee with sandwiches. You will be allowed home approximately two hours after the procedure. Due to the sedation, you are not to drive and therefore you will need someone to collect you from the Unit. For the next 24 hours, you should not drive, operate power tools, participate in strenuous activity or make major decisions.
After the procedure, you may resume your usual diet and activity. Serious side effects from this procedure are rare but for the rest of the day you may have a sore throat. You may also feel a little bloated if some air we used in the test has been left behind. Both of these things will pass off and need no medication.
At home if you get chest or stomach pain, a fever or start vomiting please contact the unit on 031 7657815 or 0823759611
Results of the test
You will get the result directly after the procedure. However, many people do not remember this conversation following the effects of sedation. If biopsies were taken, these results may take up to three days to come through. A copy of your gastroscopy report will be sent to your GP.
We charge a non-refundable facility fee, which is not covered by the Medical Aids. An invoice will be submitted to your Medical Aid for consumables, which will be refunded by your medical aid according to your plan type. We will obtain all necessary pre-authorization on your behalf.
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