Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy (also known as an endoscopy) is a procedure that enables your Doctor (Gastroenterologist) to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, i.e. the oesophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) using a thin flexible tube that has a tiny camera lens and light source, called a gastroscope.


Gastroscopy is more accurate than x-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumours of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Investigate Symptoms

  • A gastroscopy is usually performed to investigate symptoms like:
    • Persistent upper abdominal pain
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract

For Diagnosis

  • Biopsies (or small tissue samples) may be taken during your gastroscopy to assist in diagnosis of diseases and conditions, such as:
    • Anaemia 
    • Bleeding
    • Inflammation
    • Diarrhoea, or
    • Cancers of the digestive system

For Treatment

  • Many abnormalities can be treated directly during gastroscopy with little or no discomfort, for example:
    • Removing polyps
    • Stretching narrowed areas
    • Removing swallowed objects
    • Treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding 

Risks

  • A gastroscopy is a very safe procedure, rare complications include:
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Tearing of the gastrointestinal tract

    A tear in your oesophagus, or another part of your upper digestive tract,  may require hospitalisation, and sometimes surgery to repair it. The risk of this complication is very low.


    You can reduce your risk of complications by carefully following instructions for preparing for gastroscopy, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.

Complications

  • Although uncommon, signs and symptoms to watch for after your procedure include:
    • Fever
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Bloody, black or very dark coloured stool
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
    • Vomiting, especially if your vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds

How you prepare

  • How you prepare

    1.  You will require a REFERRAL FORM from your GP

    2. You will need to complete the online PATIENT INFORMATION FORM and submit it to us before we can book your procedure.


    On your PATIENT INFORMATION FORM it is important that you identify all medications (prescription and non-prescription), vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements you are currently taking.  In some cases you may be required to stop taking certain medications or adjust your usual dose.  This is particularly important if you:

    • Have diabetes
    • Take blood thinning medications, such as Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Pradaxa or Warfarin, or
    • Take iron tablets

     

    Also important is listing any major surgery, and / or medical conditions such as heart or lung disease you may have.


    3.The Liaison Nurse will call you to discuss:

    •  Any information that needs to be clarified
    • Outline the next steps in your preparation
    • Booking details for your procedure

    4. You will be required to Fast before the procedure:


    You will need to stop drinking and eating for six hours before your gastroscopy to ensure your stomach is completely empty for the procedure (nothing to eat, drink or chew).


    5. You will receive a light anaesthetic to relax you and make you more comfortable during the procedure. Although you may feel mentally alert, your memory, reaction times and judgment may be impaired.


    So you will need a friend or relative to drive you home and stay with you after your procedure.

What you can expect on the day

  • Before your procedure

    On the day of your procedure both your Doctor and Anaesthetist will come and talk to you, prior to the procedure.

    • The Anaesthetist and Gastroenterologist will see you before you go into theatre
    • You will be asked to sign the Hospital Consent form (even though you have completed our Consentic Consent Form Online)
    • You’ll be escorted into the theatre, and asked to lie down on a trolley on your left side
    • Monitors will be attached to your body, to enable your medical team to monitor your breathing, blood pressure and heart rate
    • The Anaesthetist will give you a combination of sedating anaesthetic medications through an intravenous cannula to help you better tolerate any discomfort from the procedure relax, you will be asleep during the procedure.
    • Once asleep, the colonoscope is introduced into your anus and advanced slowly through the entire large intestine.  To get a clearer view, air and water will be pumped through the colonoscope to open up the intestinal passage

    The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes

After your procedure

  • After your procedure

    You'll be taken to the recovery room after your procedure, where you will stay for an hour or so. 


    During this time you'll be monitored as the anaesthetic begins to wear off.  Once you're assessed as safe to go home, the recovery nurse will go through the discharge instructions with you. 


    Once you're at home, you may experience some mildly uncomfortable signs and symptoms after endoscopy, such as:


    • Bloating and gas
    • Cramping
    • Sore throat

    On the same day after your procedure, as small amounts of anaesthetic medication will remain in your blood stream, it is very important that you:


    • Take it easy for the rest of the day 
    • Do not drive a car, or travel on public transport alone
    • Operate machinery
    • Do not make any important personal or financial decisions for 24 hours
    • Sign legal documents or 
    • Drink alcohol

    Full recovery is expected by the next day.


    Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.

Results

  • Results

    After your procedure, your Doctor will come and talk to you in the recovery room to let you know how the procedure went, and what was found.


    However, if a biopsy was collected the results will take a few days to come back from the laboratory.  These will go straight to your Doctor's office.


    You will need to call the Doctor's secretary on 1300 457 939 to make a follow up appointment with Your Doctor to discuss your results and any further treatment you may require.