What is gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy allows your doctor to look inside your food pipe, the stomach, and part of the duodenum (the first part of the small intes ne) using a flexible, thin tube (called a gastroscope).
Gastroscopy can be used for taking ssue samples (biopsies) as well as for various therapeu c procedures such as pu ng bands on bleeding veins, placing stents to open up narrowed areas, trea ng ulcers in the stomach and duodenum or placing tubes for feeding.
How do I prepare for it?
Before gastroscopy, inform your doctor about any health problems you have, and all medicines or supplements that you take.
If you regularly use blood-thinning medicines, you may need to stop taking them a few days before the gastroscopy, which your doctor will explain to you.
Do not eat at least 8 hours before your gastroscopy. For specific details, follow your doctor's instruc ons about when to stop taking food or liquids.
Arrange for a ride home
As gastroscopy is typically done under seda on, you will not be able to drive a er the procedure and therefore, you must arrange for a ride home.
How is it performed?
A gastroscopy is an outpa ent procedure which usually takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, although you will need to remain in the Endoscopy Unit for a further period of me for observa on, following this. Shortly before the gastroscopy, a local anaesthe c throat spray will be used to numb the back of your mouth and the inside of your throat. Any removable dentures need to be taken out before the procedure. You will usually lie on your le side.
A mouth guard or a protec ve ring is put between your
teeth, so your mouth stays open, and you don't bite
the gastroscope.
The gastroscope is passed through your food pipe, into
your stomach and down to the entrance of your small intes ne (the duodenum).
Air is pumped in to inflate your stomach. Tissue samples may be taken.
What should I expect a erwards?
You will be moved to the recovery room where you will be monitored un l you are ready to go home. You may have some irrita on in your throat, a hoarse voice, or numbness in the mouth for up to an hour a er a gastroscopy. You might also feel full and have to burp for a short while.
You should expect a full recovery and return to your normal rou ne by the next day.
What
are the possible complica ons?
Gastroscopy is a very safe procedure, but rarely, complica ons may occur. These can include the following:
A reac on to the seda on
Bleeding, which may require hospital admission
A tear or perfora on in the food pipe, stomach or
duodenum, which may require surgery
Remember that these risks are rare, and in case of a complica on, our team will be there to take care of you. At Shaukat Khanum Hospitals, we take all possible measures to ensure that endoscopic procedures are
safe and comfortable for all our pa ents.
Seek care right away
Seek medical care right away if you have any of the following symptoms a er gastroscopy:
Vomi ng blood
Severe stomach or chest pain, or stomach or chest
pain that gets worse
A high temperature
Stool that is tarry black Shortness of breath
Are there alterna ves to gastroscopy?
Alterna ves to gastroscopy include barium X-ray or chest and abdominal CT scan. However, these tests have limita ons, as they do not allow your doctor to take ssue samples or perform therapeu c procedures, and also expose you to radia on. As a result, you may s ll need a gastroscopy following one of these tests. If you have any queries, please feel free to discuss with your doctors.