Your Gastroscopy – see inside, find out what is wrong

This quick guide lists the key points you need to know before having a gastroscopy. For further information:

visit https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/endoscopy

or call us for a more detailed patient information booklet to be sent to you in the post

What is a gastroscopy?

A thin, flexible camera tube is inserted through your mouth, which gently checks your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

Why have a gastroscopy?

This procedure is done to discover the cause of your symptoms so you can start the right treatment. Medication can be prescribed, or further clinical procedures can be completed based on what we find.

Who performs the procedure?

A specialist nurse or doctor will perform the procedure. Trainees may watch or perform the procedure, but always under appropriate supervision. We will ask you if you are happy for them to watch or perform.

Is it painful?

Everyone is different but most people tolerate it well. You may experience some mild discomfort from trapped wind and bloating, but this is rarely severe and settles quickly. You may also have a mild sore throat for 24 to 48 hours. If the procedure is too uncomfortable, we will always stop if you ask us to by raising your hand.

Most people feel fine within an hour.

Choosing pain relief

These are your choices for comfort during the procedure. The table compares them to help you choose and will be discussed with you at your appointment.

Your options for pain relief

Getting ready

It is important to prepare well for your procedure. Having a completely empty stomach allows us to get good views and avoids the risk of vomiting during the test.

1. Telephone pre-assessment clinic
   about a week before a nurse will call you with instructions and answer any questions you may have.
2. Day of your procedure
   • Morning appointment? Do not eat anything after midnight. On the day, you can take your normal medicine with a small sip of water before 7.00am. Do not eat or drink anything after this time.
   • Afternoon appointment? You may have a light breakfast such as cereal or toast and take your normal medication before 7.00am. Do not eat or drink anything after this time.

On the day

1. You will be welcomed by our receptionist who will confirm your identity and give you a wristband.
2. We will have a quick chat to explain the procedure and check your medical history.
3. We will answer any questions you may have and ask you to sign a consent form.
4. A cannula will be placed in the back of your hand if you have chosen sedation.
5. A probe on your finger tracks your pulse and a small tube provides oxygen to your nostrils
6. A plastic mouth guard will protect your teeth and any dentures will be removed.
7. You will lie comfortably on a trolley on your left side.
8. The tube glides down your throat as you take a small swallow and the endoscopist guides it down.
9. Painless removal of tiny tissue samples or photographs if needed.
10. Your procedure is complete and the tube is removed.
11. You will rest and recover in the recovery area if you had sedation.
12. A nurse will discuss your results with you and a family member if you wish.

How long will it take? 

Up to 4 hours to allow time for preparation, the procedure and recovery

Going home

Sedation – rest, snack, escorted home. A relative or friend must accompany you, even in a taxi, and stay with you overnight. No driving, machinery, alcohol, heights, sports, or signing legal documents for 24 hours. Do not lock the toilet door.

Throat spray – you can leave the department unescorted. You must not eat or drink anything for 1 hour after the spray, but otherwise there are no restrictions.

Results

The results of the procedure and follow-up plans will be discussed with you before you leave, and you will get a written summary to take home. Any biopsy results will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred you for the test, usually within one month, but this can vary.

What are the risks?

A gastroscopy is generally a safe procedure and there is always a good reason for doing it. It is common to have a sore throat for a day or so after the procedure. More serious complications occur in less than 1 in 500 cases and include:   

• A perforation or a tear through the wall of the gut that may require surgery
• Bleeding
• Allergic reaction to the sedation or throat spray
• Damage to loose teeth, crowns, or dental bridges
• Heart and breathing difficulties, such as a chest infection or heart attack – more common if you have sedation

Very rarely (less than 1 in 12,000) a complication is so serious it is life threatening. If you are worried about complications or feel you are not fit enough, please let us know . 

The decision to have a gastroscopy is yours. Alternative tests like a barium meal x-ray can be performed but it is not always suitable, is less accurate, and does not allow for biopsies. Doing nothing means your symptoms may get worse and their cause will remain unknown.

Contact numbers

Questions about your procedure?
Tel: 01274 276393
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 5.30pm

Change your appointment
Tel: 01274 273073
Monday to Friday
8.00am to 4.00pm

If you are unwell after the procedure (inside office hours)
Tel: 01274 276393
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 5.30pm

If you are unwell after the procedure (outside office hours)
01274 364413 (Ward 5) or NHS 111 or Emergency Department
24 hours a day
7 days a week

Frequently asked questions

1. Will it hurt? See is it painful.
2. Why can’t I be put to sleep? To put you to sleep involves a general anaesthetic, which is not routinely available and increases clinical risks. The procedure is very quick and usually well tolerated without it.
3. How long will it take? The camera check itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes but expect to be at the unit for up to 4 hours to cover your full care.
4. When do I get my results? See results.
5. Do I need somebody with me afterwards? Only if you choose to have sedation. You will need an adult to escort you home and stay with you overnight.