What is a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is a test that allows the Endoscopist to look into your
upper gastro-intestinal tract. This is done by passing a long flexible
tube (Gastroscope) through your mouth, passing over your tongue
to the back of your throat, down your gullet (oesophagus), into your
stomach and into the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
The Gastroscope has a small camera attached which is connected
to a monitor system where images of your oesophagus, stomach
and duodenum can be seen.
Benefits
By performing a Gastroscopy examination the cause of your
symptoms may be found. Images and biopsies (samples) of the
lining of your upper gastrointestinal tract may be taken.
Risks
A Gastroscopy is a safe examination but there are risks you need to
be aware of. Common risks include, sore throat and bloating.
Rarely, patients may experience dental damage, chest infection,
bleeding or perforation. If a perforation (a tear in your oesophagus,
stomach or duodenum) occurs you may be required to stay in
hospital for close observation and in some cases may require a
stent or surgery to repair it. If you have a sedative rarely you may
experience nausea and vomiting or heart and breathing problems.
Alternative treatments
There may be alternatives to this procedure and sometimes a
Barium swallow/meal is done instead. This test does not provide
very detailed images of the upper gastrointestinal tract and does
not allow biopsies or treatment to be carried out at the same time.
Your referring clinician has advised that Gastroscopy is the most
appropriate test for you. If you would like to discuss alternatives
further please speak to your referring clinician.
Your Appointment
Please make sure you follow the instructions in this leaflet and on
your appointment letter. If you are unable to make your appointment
or need to change your appointment time, please telephone using
the numbers listed on the back page of this leaflet.
Your appointment time takes into account the time required to admit
you onto the unit. You should therefore not expect to immediately go
through for the test when called. You will be assigned to a Morning
or Afternoon Endoscopy session and will be in the department for
up to 4 hours. Please note we usually have 6 different lists running
consecutively, which may mean some people will have to wait longer
than others, even with the same appointment time.
Please be aware we are a Teaching Hospital and may have trainees
in any areas of your pathway. They will always be supervised and
they will always be working at an appropriate level for their training
stage. If you would rather not have a trainee involved in your care
please let the staff know your wishes. This will not affect your care.
If you are having an Open Access Gastroscopy (a routine
test referred straight from your GP) you must stop taking acid
suppressing drugs 2 weeks before your procedure. These drugs
include Omeprazole (Losec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole
(Zoton) and Pantoprazole (Pariet).
Please bring a list of all your medications on the day.
Please leave valuables and jewellery at home where possible
as we unfortunately are unable to look after these.
What to expect on the day
Before the procedure a nurse will take you into an admission room
and explain the test and ask you some health questions. They will
answer any questions or concerns you may have.
You will be asked to sign a consent form.
A cannula may be inserted in preparation for your procedure (a small
plastic tube).
We will transfer you to the waiting area.
Shortly before your test you may be given a small drink containing
Simeticone mixed with water. This is not used for sedation or pain
relief; it is purely for visual preparation. From here you will be taken
into the procedure room for your test.
Many patients are concerned about the thought of swallowing the
Gastroscope, but we would like to reassure you that most patients
manage this well and you will be able to breathe normally during the
test.
In the endoscopy room you will have the procedure whilst lying
on your left side on a trolley. The Gastroscopy will be made more
comfortable with throat spray to numb your throat and/or conscious
sedation.
Take any medication you are on up to 2 hours before your
appointment with water. If you are taking medication for
DIABETES please refer to the specific diabetic instructions
towards the end of this leaflet.
Important: No alcohol should be consumed on the day before and
on the day of the procedure.
You must have nothing to eat for 6 hours before your
Gastroscopy appointment (except medication). Your stomach
needs to be empty to ensure a clear view and to reduce the risk of
aspiration. You may continue to drink water up to 2 hours before
your procedure.
Gastroscopy with Throat Spray
Prior to the Gastroscopy you will be given a throat spray to numb the
back of your throat. This reduces the sensation of the scope in your
mouth and throat and helps to reduce ‘gagging’.
The Endoscopist and Nurses will explain things to you during the
test. You will be able to breathe and swallow normally during the
Gastroscopy but it will feel strange.
After the procedure you will be transferred to our recovery area. The
nurse will prepare your results and discharge advice.
You should not eat or drink for 60 minutes following throat
spray administration to allow the numbness to wear off.
You may experience a sore throat and/or have some bloating with
wind-like discomfort after your procedure. This is normal and usually
settles quickly.
Details of your results and discharge advice will be given before
leaving the unit. Biopsy results will be communicated by the referring
clinician at a later date.
You do not need a responsible adult to accompany you from the
unit if you have throat spray but you may wish to have someone
accompany you on the day.
Gastroscopy with Throat spray and Sedation
Prior to the Gastroscopy you will be given a throat spray to numb the
back of your throat. This reduces the sensation of the scope in your
mouth and throat and helps to reduce ‘gagging’.
You will need a cannula (small plastic tube) in your hand or arm
through which a mild sedation is given.
The Endoscopist and Nurses will explain things to you during the
test.
You will be able to breathe and swallow normally during the
Gastroscopy but it will feel strange.
Sedation will relax you but will not put you to sleep. It is not a
general anaesthetic. You will be awake and aware during the
procedure with sedation.
Sedation may cause loss of memory and judgement for 24
hours after the test. You must not:
• Drive
• Drink alcohol
• Operate machinery
• Sign legal documents
If your job involves any of the above you will need to take the day off
work following the sedation.
After your procedure you will be transferred to our recovery area for
approximately 30 minutes. The nurse will prepare your results and
discharge advice
You should not eat or drink for 60 minutes following throat
spray administration to allow the numbness to wear off.
You may experience a sore throat and/or have some bloating with
wind-like discomfort after your procedure. This is normal and usually
settles quickly.
You will need a responsible adult to accompany you from
the unit because of the effects of the sedation and also have
someone at home overnight after having sedation.
Details of your results and discharge advice will be given before
leaving the unit. Biopsy results will be communicated by the referring
clinician at a later date.
Specific instructions for patients who have Diabetes
If you have diabetes, please read the ‘extra’ leaflet sent alongside
this leaflet.
This leaflet is specific to controlling your diabetes through the various
procedures available within our unit and you will have been sent the
one that corresponds with your specific procedure:
• Guidance for Managing Diabetes for Gastroscopy / EUS / ERCP
This will give you clear instructions on what to do with your
medication (including insulin) during the preparation for your test.
If you have not received a copy of this leaflet, please contact the
Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, via the phone numbers listed
on the back of this leaflet and request a copy.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the procedure take?
A Gastroscopy lasts 10-20 minutes. You will be in the department for up to 4 hours.
Does it hurt?
Gastroscopy is not painful but patients usually have some retching
and bloating type discomfort. You can breathe normally during the
procedure.
Do I have to have the test?
No. The choice is yours, please refer to page 3 for alternatives and
the reason why this test is appropriate.
Can I take my tablets as normal?
Yes unless instructed otherwise. Diabetic patients please read page
9 for diabetic medication instructions.
Will I be asleep for the procedure?
No. Throat spray and/or sedation is available (if your circumstances
permit), but you will be awake for the procedure.
What shall I wear to attend the procedure?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing.
Procedure Outcome
Details of your results and discharge advice will be given before
leaving the unit. Biopsy results will be communicated by the referring
clinician at a later date.
If you have any issues or need advice after your procedure
please contact the Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit within
working hours (7.45am to 6pm) and ask to speak to the nurse in
charge. See contact phone numbers on the back of this leaflet.
If urgent out of hours advice is required please contact Ward 2
on 01253 953402.
Gastroscopy Illustration
Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Location Map
Access from the main hospital multistorey car park
We are located in Area 6 - Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit,
highlighted in orange on the main hospital map. Follow the signs for the
Main Hospital up the escalator/lift towards Area 6, second corridor on the
left. Follow the signs down the link corridor, exit to the right via the side
door (external) which is signposted for Patient Entrance to Reception.
Access for drop off/collection only & disability parking
Enter via East Park Drive and follow the road up the hill, take the
second left signposted for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Drop
Off Only, follow the road round to the right.
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Author Gastroenterology Department
Approved by Chairpersons Action
Date of Publication 11/07/2025
Reference No PL/018 (v8)
Review Date 01/07/2028
