-
Gastroscopy
(OesophagoGastro
Duodenoscopy)What you need to know:
What you need to know:
Dear Patient,
You have been referred to us by your doctor for a gastroscopy. We would like to explain how this procedure works and what you need to know as a patient: In the gastroscopy we examine your upper digestive tract, which includes the throat, oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. During the procedure, samples may be taken, the mucous membrane specially dyed or for example, bleeding staunched.
In preparation:
Please note that you need to have an empty stomach for your gastroscopy. This means that you may only have a light evening meal on the evening before your examination and no food until after your appointment. Drinking is permitted until midnight before your appointment. Please bring a list of all the medication you take regularly to the appointment. If you take blood-thinning medication, you need to advise us of this at least one week in advance. If you inject yourself with insulin, you should omit the dose before the examination and bring the result of a finger prick blood test. If you are unsure about anything, please get in touch with us.
Procedure:
You can expect your appointment to last about 1–1.5 hours if you are coming for a gastroscopy. After a preliminary discussion with the doctor, your examination will take place in the endoscopy room and last about 10–15 minutes. In the examination, a flexible tube (endoscope) is used that goes into your mouth and has a light and camera at one end. The examination is performed under anaesthesia (propofol), which means you will be asleep for the procedure. You will wake up quickly after the examination and can rest in the recovery room before having a follow-up discussion with the doctor and returning home.
Please note that you must not drive or operate machinery following this procedure. Please therefore arrange someone to collect you at the end of your appointment.