What does a gastroscopy involve?

Procedure

  1. The examination is usually performed with the patient lying on their left side.
  2. Any removable dental prostheses should be taken out beforehand.
  3. After local anesthesia of the throat with lidocaine spray, the doctor places a plastic mouthpiece between the teeth (to protect the instrument).
  4. A flexible endoscope (approximately 1 cm in diameter) is then inserted through the mouth and throat while the patient is asked to swallow.
  5. This moment may be uncomfortable and can cause a choking sensation; it requires cooperation between the patient and the physician.
  6. The examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract usually takes a few minutes. It may be slightly uncomfortable but is generally painless, including the collection of tissue samples (biopsies).
  7. The instrument used is thoroughly disinfected each time, so the risk of infection is practically nonexistent.
  8. Biopsy samples are taken using sterile forceps, which also ensures safety from infection.

After the examination

  1. Due to local throat anesthesia, you must not eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the procedure to avoid choking.
  2. Please inform your doctor if, within a few hours after the examination, you experience severe abdominal pain or notice black stools.
  3. Any other unusual or unclear symptoms should be reported immediately to a nurse or doctor.
  4. Do not hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear or if you would like more information about the procedure.

Note

  1. If the endoscopic procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, you must not drive on that day. You must be accompanied by another adult when returning home.
  2. Even after a procedure without general anesthesia, it is recommended not to drive immediately afterward.

Possible Complications

Complications of panendoscopy are extremely rare. Nevertheless, no physician can guarantee the complete success of this examination or its absolute safety. In exceptional cases, perforation of the gastrointestinal wall may occur — particularly of the esophagus, in approximately 0.05% of examinations. Bleeding may also occur on occasion, most commonly following the collection of biopsy samples. Such complications usually require prompt surgical treatment. Very rarely, symptoms involving other organ systems may arise, such as exacerbation of coronary artery disease, an asthma or epilepsy attack, or even cardiac arrest.

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