Our goal is to make your gastroscopy as comfortable and as safe as possible.

Preparation:

• Nil by mouth for 6 hours immediately prior to procedure.
• Patients on INSULIN to contact rooms at least one working day prior to the procedure.
  

Please do:

• Bring a list of your current medication.
• Bring your Medicare card and private health cover details if applicable.
• Advise us beforehand if you have an artificial heart valve.
• Bring referral to the day hospital on the day of your procedure.

What is gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy is the direct inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (upper gastrointestinal tract) via a gastroscope – a long, flexible tube about 9 mm in diameter which displays an image on a TV screen. Small tissue samples (biopsies) may be painlessly collected in conjunction with gastroscopy by passing long, thin forceps down a channel in the gastroscope.

The procedure is commonly performed when your doctor suspects any inflammation, ulceration or other abnormality of these areas.

What preparation is necessary?

• Nil by mouth for 6 hours prior to the procedure.
• All regular medications (excepting diabetic medication) to be taken as usual with a small amount of water on the day of the procedure.
• Patients with diabetes on INSULIN MUST contact Dr Dorrington’s rooms at least one working day prior to the procedure to make special arrangements.

How is Gastroscopy performed?

Dr Dorrington will be assisted by both a nurse and a specialist anaesthetist. You will be asked for details of your medical history as special precautions may be necessary to reduce risks, especially if you have a serious heart, chest or other medical problem.

At the beginning of the procedure, you will be given an injection into a vein to sedate and relax you. Your throat will be sprayed with local anaesthetic. A mouthguard is used to protect your teeth. Extra oxygen is given, with the levels in your blood being monitored via a “peg” on your finger. With your chin flexed on your chest, the gastroscope is passed over the tongue and into the pharynx, oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Occasionally, there will be a narrowing in the oesophagus (gullet). If considered appropriate, this may be stretched open using a dilator passed over a guide wire (oesophageal dilatation).

The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes, is not painful and you will be able to breathe normally throughout.

After your Gastroscopy.

After the procedure you will be assisted to the Recovery Lounge. When your swallowing reflex has returned, you will be offered light refreshments.

When you have recovered suitably, Dr Dorrington will briefly discuss the report with you. With Direct Access Gastroscopy, it is up to the referring doctor, not Dr Dorrington, to assess the relevance of the findings in relation to your symptoms and institute any treatment.

The sedation has the effect of frequently causing you to forget what you are told after the procedure. A complete detailed report will be sent to your doctor usually the next working day.

You will, in general, be ready to go home about 30-60 minutes after the procedure. You will need someone to stay with you for the rest of the day and preferably overnight.

As the sedative drugs will remain in your system for some time, do not drive a car, use machinery, cook or iron for at least 18 hours. Do not return to work or sign legal documents until the next day.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually safe and simple. Your throat may be uncomfortable for a day or two but other side effects and complications are distinctly unusual. On very rare occasions damage to the oesophagus or stomach can occur at the time of the examination.

Complications of sedation are uncommon and are usually avoided by administering oxygen and monitoring oxygen levels in the blood during the procedure. Rarely, however, particularly in patients with severe cardiac or chest disease, serious sedation related problems can occur.

If you wish to discuss all possible complications with Dr Dorrington before the procedure, please inform the staff. Death is a remote possibility with any interventional procedure.

I have read and understood the procedural information on gastroscopy (upper GIT endoscopy) as outlined in the patient information brochure supplied.

I hereby agree to the performance of the gastroscopy by Dr Dorrington and to the taking of biopsies and performance of oesophageal dilatation or other upper GIT endoscopic procedures deemed to be appropriate by Dr Dorrington at the time of the gastroscopy.

I hereby give Dr Dorrington permission to access or obtain relevant medical information from any other health professional or ancillary service provider. I understand this will assist him in my diagnosis and management.

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