NORTH BAY GENERAL SURGERY

What is a gastroscopy?  

A gastroscopy is a diagnostic test in which a long thin camera is inserted through the mouth through the esophagus and into the first part of the small intestine. It allows the physician to view the upper intestinal tract, remove any tiny swallowed objects, take biopsies, or remove any polyps.

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Why would a gastroscopy be done?  

There are many reasons why your doctor would recommend a gastroscopy:

• Repeated (recurring) indigestion, heartburn, or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Difficulty swallowing

• Anemia or signs of bleeding

• Other symptoms related to the upper intestinal tract

 

What are the risk of gastroscopy?  

Gastroscopy is considered a safe procedure; but as with all medical procedures it carries some risks:

• Perforation (or puncture) – occurs approximately 1 in 5000 persons. It may require surgery to repair or be managed by antibiotic and intravenous fluids

• Bleeding, usually following the removal of a polyp – occurs approximately 1 in 500 persons. This bleeding usually stops on its own but may require a second procedure.

• Reactions to anesthetic – you will be sedated for the procedure (general anesthetic is not used) and reactions to this anesthetic is rare.

 

What if my gastroscopy shows something abnormal?  

During your gastroscopy if something is found, various interventions may be performed:

• Biopsy: This is when your doctor takes a small sample of the stomach lining which is then sent to the hospital laboratory for further analysis

• Bleeding: If areas of bleeding are identified, your doctor may control the bleeding by injecting medications, cauterization (sealing of bleeding vessels with heat treatment) or by use of small clips.

• Polyps: Polyps are abnormal growths in the stomach lining that are usually benign (non-cancerous). These are removed and sent to the hospital laboratory for analysis. You should feel no pain upon removal

• Stricture: A stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus making it difficult to swallow. It can be dilated using special balloons or tubes.

 

Your doctor will review any abnormal findings with you either following the procedure or in a future follow-up visit at their office.

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What do I need to do to prepare for my gastroscopy?  

The only preparation prior to gastroscopy is to have nothing to eat or drink prior to the procedure. Most people will stop eating and drinking the night before their gastroscopy. If you are having a colonoscopy at the same time your doctor may give you different instructions. Make sure you ask your doctor specifically what you need to do to prepare. You also need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital as you will not be allowed to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after being sedated.

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Your throat may be sprayed with a numbing agent. In that case, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time, post procedure.

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Complications

Complications are rare. Please call your doctor or proceed to the nearest Emergency Department if any of these symptoms occur.

• Severe abdominal/ chest pain

• Fever or chills

• Vomiting blood or black stools

• Any other symptom that may concern you

 

Instructions for preparation for gastroscopy: Please do not start any prep without first speaking with your surgeon. 

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If you are having a second procedure (such as a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy), the prep instructions are different. Follow the colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy instructions.