Patient Gastroscopy Checklist
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Patient Gastroscopy Checklist
A gastroscopy is an examination that allows us to look directly at the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract; the oesophagus (also known as the gullet, the tube that food passes down to reach the stomach); the stomach and around the first bend of the small intestine (duodenum).
To do this, a thin flexible tube called a gastroscopy or endoscopy, which has a light at one end, is used. The gastroscope is passed through the mouth, down the oesophagus and into the stomach by a specially trained doctor or nurse, called an endoscopist. The tube is thinner than your little finger. It will not get in the way of your breathing at any time, as it passes down your oesophagus and not your windpipe.
Sometimes biopsies (small tissue samples) are taken and sent for analysis. The biopsies taken are about the size of a match head and will not cause you any pain. You may feel a slight tugging sensation.
Here is a simple checklist if you have been scheduled for a gastroscopy.
- If the patient is planning or has been advised to have sedation they need to arrange for a friend or relative (18 years of age or older) to escort them home after their appointment
- If they do not organise an escort, or if s/he is under 18 years old, the endoscopist will not be able to give them sedation and the procedure may be cancelled.
- Make a note of the date of the appointment.
- If the patient is taking medications to prevent blood clots, they should contact the endoscopy department for advice before the appointment.
- The patient MUST NOT eat anything for six hours before the appointment or drink anything for four hours before. They may have small sips of water for up to 2 hours before.
- The patient should wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of the test
At RefluxUK we organise hundreds of gastroscopies every year so if you need one, please get in touch and let us help you arrange one local to you. If you’re self-funding, we offer very competitive rates.