- It is important that you print off both forms under Gastroscopy and read both carefully.
- PLEASE USE THE "PRINTER FRIENDLY" BUTTON TO GET A PRINTABLE PAGE.
- You should read all these forms carefully.
- If there is any confusion you should ring my rooms at 55913155.
PATIENT GASTROSCOPY
INFORMATION BROCHURE
Gastroscopy involves the use of a flexible tube to examine the upper intestinal tract including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure is commonly undertaken if your doctor suspects that you have inflammation of the oesophagus (the pipe which connects the throat to the stomach), an ulcer, inflammation or other abnormality of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum.
You need to fast for six hours before the procedure. While fasting, take all your regular medication with a sip of water. If you are a diabetic or on blood thinning tablets, please contact me to discuss this before the procedure.
If you have serious heart or chest problems, special requirements need to be taken to reduce any possible risk. You should therefore inform your doctor of any serious illness of this nature.
An endoscope is a flexible tube about 9 mm diameter. It allows full colour inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It also allows biopsies to be taken from the small bowel and other areas. Photographs can be taken of anything of interest.
At the beginning of the procedure your throat will be sprayed with a local anaesthetic and you will be given a sedative by injection into a vein to make you more comfortable. The procedure will take between five and fifteen minutes and you will be sleepy for about half an hour afterwards. Normally you will have very little memory of the event.
I will discuss all the findings with you before you go home.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually simple and safe. It is unlikely to cause
problems for patients unless they have serious heart or chest problems.
Extremely rarely, individual patients may have a reaction to the sedation or damage to the oesophagus, Even possibly perforation of the esophagus at the time of examination. Such complications are extremely rare. However, if you wish to have full details of all possible complications discussed before the procedure, you should inform me when I see you before the procedure.
- YOU MUST NOT DRIVE A CAR OR USE ANY MACHINERY FOR 12 HOURS.
- YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME OR INFORM US OF OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.
- YOU ARE ADVISED NOT TO MAKE ANY IMPORTANT DECISIONS FOR 12 HOURS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
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