Gastroscopy

Information leaflet on an endoscopic examination of the stomach.

Introduction
Internal examination of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract by means of a long, flexible viewing instrument is called endoscopy. Oesophagoscopy is examination of the oesophagus, gastroscopy of the stomach and duodenoscopy of the duodenum.
Endoscopy of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract is performed if there are symptoms that could indicate infections, ulcers, internal bleeding or tumours in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum.



In this examination, the long, flexible viewing tube (the endoscope) is inserted through the mouth and guided via the oesophagus into the stomach and the duodenum (see drawing).
Endoscopy is performed by a specially-qualified doctor.

Preparation at home

• if the examination is to be done in the morning, you must not eat or drink anything after the previous 24.00 hours (midnight).
• if the examination is to take place in the afternoon, you may eat a slice of bread or two rusks with tea or coffee.
• dress yourself in something comfortable; no tight-fitting clothing must be worn.

Attention!
 Medicines for the heart, high bloodpressure, epilepsy or contraception can be taken with a small sip of water.
If you have any questions about this, you should put them to the doctor who has sent you to be examined.

Your doctor will ask you:

• if you are taking any medication (e.g. bloodthinners)
• if you are allergic to any particular medicines
• if you suffer from any form of respiratory disease
• if you are pregnant.

How long does the examination take?
The scopy itself will last 10 minutes and is not painful.  

The examination

• you will be given a drink that will stop the ”foaming” of the gastric juices.
• your throat will be locally anaesthetised with a spray to prevent you retching.
• if you have false teeth, they should be taken out before the examination.
• you will lie on your left side on the examination table.
• the doctor or nurse will give you instructions and explain how you should swallow the tube.
• some discomfort may be felt as it passes down the throat.
• your breathing will not be hampered; you can breathe normally through your nose or mouth.
• air will be passed through the tube during the examination; this may make you want to belch.  

After the examination
You must not eat or drink anything until 1 hour after the examination because your throat has been anaesthetised and you could choke. Your throat may be somewhat sore after the examination. You may also feel full of wind. This is due to the air that was blown into your stomach during the examination. Releasing wind (belching) will help to relieve this feeling.
You can carry on as normal. You are however advised not to drive yourself and, if possible, to come with someone to accompany you to and from the hospital.

Complications
Complications occur very rarely. However, if you do have bad stomach-ache or develop a fever after the examination, you should immediately contact your Family Doctor (G.P.), your specialist and after 17.00 hours the Accident & Emergency (Spoedeisende Hulp) Department of our hospital.
Telephone number: 070 - 312 44 45.

The results
The doctor who performed the examination will give you a provisional result straightaway. A detailed written result will be sent to the doctor who sent you to be examined. 

Finally
If you do have any more questions, please ask them before the examination as, during the examination, talking is difficult.

edition: December 2009/55