What is a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy examines your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small bowel called the duodenum. The procedure is usually performed to investigate symptoms such as refractory reflux disease, trouble swallowing, early satiety, abdominal pain, and bloating, among others.
What are the risks of gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy is generally safe and well tolerated, however there are some risks. Risks include the risk of the sedatives, primarily cardiac and respiratory complications. There is chance of causing bleeding or infection. The rate of perforating the gastrointestinal tract is less that 1 in 5000 and surgery may sometimes be required in that case.
How do I prepare for gastroscopy?
The preparation is relatively easy. Please see the gastroscopy preparation instructions.
The gastroscopy
After you have registered, an intravenous catheter will be placed and your procedure can begin. Patients are sometimes worried about choking on the scope or about their airway during the gastroscopy. With sedation, the gag reflex is usually blunted and the procedure is well tolerated. Likewise, the airway remains unobstructed at all times and hence you will be able to breath normally during the gastroscopy. Biopsies will usually be taken.
After the procedure you will be wheeled back to the recovery room and then sent home when you are sufficiently awake. We will give you a written summary of the results to take home with you. A report will be sent to your referring physician.
You cannot drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours after having the sedation.
Follow-up
If you wish to discuss the results of your procedure or any biopsies taken during your gastroscopy, you may book an appointment with The Reimer Clinic. You may also discuss the findings with your family physician. Biopsy results will be available about three weeks after your procedure.
