GASTROSCOPY
Patient
Information
PROCEDURE DATE
ARRIVAL TIME
Please be aware that your appointment time is
not the time of your procedure and a period of
waiting will be involved.
You may be in the department for 3-4 hours.
1
The Solomon Macey Endoscopy Unit is part of the Midlands
Endoscopy training Academy, which provides intensive training
and development for future Endoscopists.
Your procedure may be carried out by a trainee endoscopist
whilst under the guidance and supervision of a consultant or
nurse endoscopist.
Trainees are introduced to you before your procedure. If you
have any questions or concerns about your procedure being
completed by a trainee, please speak to a nurse or your list
endoscopist.
Our team is committed to treating you with dignity in an
empathetic and caring environment, so you feel safe and
supported throughout the whole of your journey from initial
assessment to completion of your endoscopic procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your
procedure, please ask as we are here to help you.
You have the right to change your mind at any time, even after
you have signed your consent form, and at any point before
and during your procedure.
2
You have been assessed as needing a Gastroscopy to help find the cause of
your symptoms. Please read the information about your intended procedure
and follow the instructions.
What is a Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy is an examination of your gullet which includes the oesophagus,
stomach and duodenum. The instrument used is called a gastroscope, a flexible
tube with a diameter less than that of a little finger. The gastroscope has a light and
camera on the end. It is passed through the mouth and the endoscopist is able to
look for any abnormalities and if necessary, painlessly take small tissue samples
(biopsies).
What are the alternatives to having these procedures?
Gastroscopy is the best way to examine the lining of your stomach. An alternative is
a barium swallow or barium meal.
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a simple and safe examination for most people but rare problems
can arise:
A tear (perforation) in the lining of the stomach or oesophagus which is <1 in
3,000. The risk is increased if a polyp needs to be removed (1 in 460 cases) If
this occurs it may be treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids (a drip) or
it may require an operation to repair the hole
Bleeding may occur at the site of biopsy and nearly always stops on its own.
Very rarely this could result in you being admitted to hospital.
Mechanical damage caused by the endoscope to teeth or bridgework – this is
very rare.
Problems with breathing, heart rate and blood pressure – such problems are
normally short lived. We will monitor you carefully so that if any problems do
occur they can be treated quickly. Older patients and those with significant
health problems are more at risk.
There is a risk that small abnormalities may be missed, though this is unlikely.
3
Will I need a relaxant?
The procedure is normally done without sedation but the staff will discuss this option
with you.
A mild relaxant can be given if you choose to have one. This may cause you to be
drowsy and not remember the procedure taking place. It is NOT the same as an
anaesthetic and you will NOT be asleep.
You must not drive for 24 hours following sedation, so please ensure an
appropriate adult can collect you from the unit promptly when called and take
you home by car or taxi. Public transport is not suitable.
You must also have an appropriate adult stay with you for 24 hours after the
procedure as the sedation may impair your memory during this time.
It is also recommended for any breastfeeding mothers to refrain from this for
24 hours after sedation. This will minimise the risk of passing medication onto
your infant.
What about my medication?
Your routine medication can be continued as normal unless otherwise
instructed.
If you are diabetic, please follow the advice given during your pre
assessment and refer to the diabetic information sheet if given to you.
If you are on anticoagulants/anti-platelets listed on the below table,
please follow the advice given during your pre assessment.
Drug Name Drug Name
Warfarin Pradaxa
Clopidogrel Rivaroxaban
Aspirin Edoxaban
Dabigatran Apixaban
If you are taking blood pressure medication continue to take as
normal unless you have been told otherwise, or your procedure
may be cancelled if your blood pressure is TOO high.
4
How do I prepare?
Eating and drinking:
To allow a clear view of the stomach it must be empty. If it is not, some areas
may be hidden from view and the test may have to be repeated.
Morning Appointment
You may have a light meal, and normal tea and coffee with milk no later than 6.00
pm the day before your procedure. DO NOT eat any food or drinks containing milk
after 6.00 pm until after your procedure.
You may have clear fluids until 2 hours before your arrival time on the day of
the procedure.
Afternoon appointment
You may have toast with tea/coffee (with milk) before 8.00 am on the day of your
procedure. DO NOT eat any food or drinks containing milk after 8.00 am until after
your procedure.
You may have clear fluids until 2 hours before your arrival time on the day of
the procedure.
5
Day of your Appointment
Before you come to the hospital
Please wear something that is comfortable to lie down in.
Wear glasses rather than contact lenses.
Please keep make-up and jewellery to a minimum.
Please bring with you
A list of all medication you are taking
Book / magazine to pass the time.
Spectacle case (if worn)
If you wear dentures, please bring your denture pot.
Any walking aids/hearing aid that you would normally use.
Please do not bring valuables or large amounts of money.
On arrival at the unit
Please tell the staff if you have any special requirements or anxiety about your
procedure. The receptionist will check your details with you, attach an identification
wrist band and then ask you to have a seat in the waiting room.
A nurse will check your details, blood pressure and pulse.
The endoscopist or nurse will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a
consent form. This confirms that you understand the investigation and agree
to go ahead with it. An example of the consent form is displayed at the
end of this document (pages 9 & 10). Please read this prior to having
your procedure.
A small cannula will be inserted into a vein for the relaxant to be administered
if required.
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What does the investigation involve?
A nurse will stay with you throughout the investigation.
You will be asked to remove any false teeth.
Local anaesthetic is sprayed into your mouth. This is done whilst you are
sitting up. This has a bitter taste, and you will notice a loss of sensation to
your tongue and throat. The procedure is normally done without sedation, but
the staff will discuss this option with you. If you require sedation to help you
to relax, it will be given by injection into the cannula.
You will have a device attached to your finger, which monitors your heart rate
and breathing. A sponge will also be placed just inside your nostril where will
administer oxygen.
You will be asked to lie on your left side.
A small plastic guard will be inserted into your mouth to protect your teeth and
gums. The endoscopist will then gently insert the scope through your mouth
and ask you to swallow. The instrument will not interfere with your breathing
or cause pain.
During the procedure, air will be passed through the endoscope to inflate the
stomach.
The endoscopist will move the scope around your oesophagus, stomach and
duodenum and look at the pictures on a screen.
Samples may be taken for analysis under a microscope in the laboratory.
These samples will be kept.
Any photographs taken will be recorded in your notes.
The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
If you have had sedation you will return to the recovery area for at least 45
minutes.
You should not attempt to eat or drink until your swallow reflex has returned to
normal which will take approximately 45 minutes.
You will feel slightly bloated but this should quickly pass.
Before discharge you will be given a copy of your consent form, a copy of the
endoscopy report (where appropriate) and an aftercare advice leaflet. If a
biopsy or polyps have been removed, the laboratory result will take between
2- 6 weeks.
Going home after the procedure
7
If you have not had sedation:
You will be able to leave straight after the procedure and return to normal activities.
Please wait for swallowing reflex to return before eating and drinking.
If you have had sedation:
You will be taken to recovery for a minimum of 45 minutes. When we are
satisfied it is safe for you to return home, you or a member of staff will contact
the person collecting you and advise them of a time you will be discharged.
When you get home you should rest for the remainder of the day.
You should have a responsible adult collect you and stay with you for 24
hours.
During the first 24 hours following sedation you must not:
Drink alcohol
Drive
Take sleeping tablets
Operate any machinery
Sign any important documents
Work at heights.
Please note that sedation can impair your reflexes and judgement for up to 24 hours
even when you feel wide awake.
What do I do if I feel unwell at home?
If you have any problems with persistent abdominal pain (especially if it is worse or
different from anything experienced before the procedure), bleeding or chest
discomfort following the procedure, contact the endoscopy unit on 02476 291662
between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
If urgent advice is required out of these hours, contact your GP service or attend
Accident and Emergency department at George Eliot Hospital.
Useful and Emergency Contact Numbers
Endoscopy Booking Office - 02476 865034
Endoscopy Unit - 02476 865733
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) - 02476 865550
To book an Interpreter - 02476 865205
Accident and Emergency (out of hours and weekends) - 02476 865078
NHS 111
Date published September 2019
Amended by S/N Diane Alexander January 2023
Review Date January 2024
8
EXAMPLE CONSENT FORM
9
10
