Gastroscopy

What Is It?

Gastroscopyis a procedure done to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In addition to closely examining these areas, the doctor can collect tissue samples if necessary.

How Do I Prepare?

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. If your procedure is scheduled for after 12 noon, your doctor may let you have a clear liquid breakfast. Clear liquids include: water, ginger ale, apple juice, cranberry juice, clear broth, or frozen popsicles. Coffee without milk is okay too. Do not eat or drink anything after this.
• Discuss with your doctor what medications you should take.
• If you are taking medication to thin your blood (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin), you should check with your doctor about stopping these medications before this test.
• Medications that your doctor has instructed you to take can be taken with a small amount of water.
• If you wear dentures, they must be removed for the procedure.
• Be sure to arrange transportation. Someone must stay with you at the hospital until discharge and drive you home. Transportation will be verified before the procedure. You may use a taxi cab for your transportation only if you have a person accompanying you other than the taxi cab driver. Your procedure may be cancelled if these arrangements are not made.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• Consent is signed.
• Your stomach must be completely empty for the best and safest exam.
• An intravenous needle (IV) is inserted.
• You will be given medication to make you sleepy and relaxed and to minimize discomfort.
• Depending on your doctor's preference, your throat may be sprayed with a medication to numb your gag reflex.
• Oxygen will be used throughout the procedure.
• Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored throughout the procedure.
• You will be lying on your left side throughout the procedure.
• A mouthpiece will be inserted and you will bite down on it with your teeth. The scope is inserted into your mouth to the back of your throat, into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
• The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes.
• Recovery time is about 45 minutes.
• You can plan to be at the hospital for a minimum of 90 minutes.