Gastroscopy Whakamātaunga whēkau
A gastroscopy is a procedure to examine the upper part of your digestive system using an endoscope. The endoscope is a long, thin flexible tube with a light and a very small camera at the tip.
When you would have a gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is usually done when you have symptoms that need investigating, including:
- indigestion
- stomach (upper abdominal) pain
- feeling sick (nausea)
- throwing up (vomiting)
- difficulty swallowing.
It is also the best way to find the cause of bleeding from the upper digestive tract.
Having a gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is done in hospital or a specialist centre, but you can usually go home the same day.
You do not need to have a general anaesthetic (where you are put to sleep), but you can have a sedative to help you relax and make you more comfortable.
The endoscope is passed into your mouth. It then goes down your throat and food pipe (oesophagus) and into your stomach and the upper part of your small bowel (duodenum). The tube is about the width of a little finger.
The tiny video camera on the endoscope takes video images. These are viewed on a screen by the specialist doctor. Small samples of tissue (biopsies) can be collected through the endoscope if necessary.
The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.
You should take a support person with you if possible so they can keep you company and drive you home afterwards.
Gastroscopy in children
Your healthcare provider may recommend gastroscopy to help understand what is happening inside your child's body. KidsHealth has information on gastroscopy for tamariki and how to prepare them.
Before your gastroscopy
Before your gastroscopy your specialist doctor will explain:
- why they think you need it
- what they think it might show
- how it will help them treat you.
They will also discuss the risks of having the procedure.
It is important that you understand this so you can give your informed consent to having it done. Ask questions if there is anything you are unsure about.
Informed consent and your rights
Preparing for your gastroscopy
You will get full instructions before your appointment on how to prepare for your gastroscopy.
Your instructions may be a little different, depending on whether you are having a sedative or not.
Make sure your specialist doctor knows about:
- other medical conditions you have
- any medications you take, including any natural supplements.
Take a list of all your medications with you when you go for your appointment. The instructions you are given should explain:
- about taking your normal medication
- if there are any medications you should not take.
After your gastroscopy
You will be given instructions on what to expect afterwards and who to contact if you have any concerns.
You may be at the hospital or endoscopy centre for about 3 or 4 hours. If you did not have a sedative, you will be able to go straight home.
Most people feel well afterwards but you may:
- have a sore throat
- feel bloated because of the air that entered your stomach during the procedure.
You can expect to feel back to normal by the next day. You can usually eat anything you want after the procedure unless your specialist doctor gives you different advice.
If you had a sedative
- You may feel a bit sleepy afterwards.
- You may not remember much about the procedure.
- You will need to stay until you are fully awake and have had something to eat and drink — you will be provided with something.
- It is better not to drink alcohol until the next day.
- You will not be able to drive for 24 hours — you will need someone to drive you home.
- Someone should stay with you overnight to make sure you feel okay, if possible.
Results of your gastroscopy
The specialist doctor will usually tell you briefly about your results on the day. Any tissue sample results from the laboratory will take several days.
You will be able to discuss the results with your healthcare provider.
Risks of having a gastroscopy
All medical procedures have some risks, but gastroscopy is generally very safe. Your specialist doctor will talk about the risks with you before the procedure, when you sign your consent form.
Gastroscopy
There is a small risk of making a hole (perforation) in your digestive system. This happens on average no more than once in every 1,000 gastroscopy procedures. Perforations may need to be repaired with an operation.
Sedatives
Sedatives can affect your breathing. Your pulse, oxygen level and breathing are constantly monitored throughout the procedure to reduce the risks. The specialist doctor may recommend you do not have a sedative if you are at high risk of breathing difficulties during the procedure.
Healthcare services may be provided to you only if you make an informed choice and give informed consent to it. This forms part of your rights (Rights 5, 6 and 7) under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights (the Code).
The Code and Your Rights/Ōu Mōtika — Health & Disability Commissioner
The 3 rights that together allow for informed consent are:
- Right 5 — the right to effective communication
- Right 6 — the right to be informed
- Right 7 — the right to choice and consent.
This means you must be told about the service being suggested, including any risks or possible complications. You must have the chance to ask as many questions as you need to understand the information you are given.
You also have the right to have someone with you to help you. But the decision to say 'yes' or 'no' must be yours (unless you are unable to make that decision due to illness or other impairment, or sometimes in an emergency).
You also have the right to be given the information in a language you fully understand. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Referral information
You will need to be referred to a specialist doctor (a gastroenterologist) by your healthcare provider. You cannot self-refer.
This procedure can be done in the public health system or privately.