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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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
On the day of your procedure both your Doctor and Anaesthetist will come and talk to you, prior to the procedure.
The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes
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:
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:
Full recovery is expected by the next day.
Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.
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.
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