A Gastroscopy is a procedure used to visually examine your upper digestive system with a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. A specialist in diseases of the digestive system (gastroenterologist) uses a gastroscopy to diagnose and, sometimes, treat conditions that affect the oesophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).
The medical term for an upper endoscopy is esophagogastroduodenoscopy. You may have an upper endoscopy done in your doctor's office, an outpatient surgery centre or a hospital.
A gastroscopy is sometimes combined with other procedures, such as an ultrasound. An ultrasound probe may be attached to the endoscope to create specialised images of the wall of your oesophagus or stomach. An endoscopic ultrasound may also help your doctor create images of hard-to-reach organs, such as your pancreas. Newer endoscopes use high-definition video to provide clearer images.
Many endoscopes allow your doctor to use technology called narrow band imaging, which uses special light to help better detect precancerous conditions, such as Barrett's oesophagus.
You can reduce your risk of complications by carefully following your doctor's instructions for preparing for an endoscopy, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.
Most people undergoing an upper endoscopy will receive a sedative to relax them and make them more comfortable during the procedure. Plan ahead for your recovery while the sedative wears off. You may feel mentally alert, but your memory, reaction times and judgment may be impaired.
Find someone to drive you home.
You may also need to take the day off from work.
Don't make any important personal or financial decisions for 24 hours.
You can't talk after the endoscope passes down your throat, though you can make noises. The endoscope doesn't interfere with your breathing.
As your doctor passes the endoscope down your esophagus:
This allows your health care team to monitor you as the sedative begins to wear off.
Once you're at home, you may experience some mildly uncomfortable signs and symptoms after endoscopy, such as:
These signs and symptoms will improve with time. If you're concerned or quite uncomfortable, call your doctor.
Take it easy for the rest of the day after your endoscopy. After receiving a sedative, you may feel alert, but your reaction times are affected and judgment is delayed.
When you receive the results of your endoscopy will depend on your situation. If, for instance, your doctor performed the endoscopy to look for an ulcer, you may learn the findings right after your procedure. If he or she collected a tissue sample (biopsy), you may need to wait a few days to get results from the testing laboratory. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results of your endoscopy.
At The Chartwell Hospital, our consultants will work with you carefully to determine the options that best suit your needs and preferences going forward, depending on your results of your Upper Endoscopy.
We can provide consultations with a highly experienced Medical Practitioner for patients who require a Gastroscopy. To arrange your consultation please click on the book now button below to submit your details you will be contacted to schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. During your consultation, your Medical Practitioner will discuss your symptoms and create a management plan based on your needs. A diagnostic referral is included in the price is required.
Before you go ahead with your procedure, you will be informed of the costs and everything will be clearly explained before you book. At The Chartwell Hospital, we make it our mission to guide you through every stage of your health journey. If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above please get in touch and book a consultation.
If you have a referral from your GP stating the procedure required, please send the referral to our patient care team at HERE, once received a member of our team will contact you by telephone to arrange your appointment.
The Chartwell Hospital offer virtual and in person consultations with a highly qualified Medical Practitioner, who can provide a diagnostic referral if required. We can support you by discussing your symptoms and recommend the best possible plan for your condition.
To book a consultation with one of our Medical Professionals, please start by completing our online form by clicking the button below.