What is a Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed to evaluate your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine called the duodenum.
What preparation is required for a Gastroscopy?
You will have instructions given to you, but most patients are told to fast overnight prior to the procedure.
What happens during a Gastroscopy?
When you arrive at the Day Procedure Centre you will be registered and interviewed by our staff . The anaesthetist will provide intravenous access and administer gentle sedation. You will sleep the entire time and have no discomfort.
A flexible instrument called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and passed through the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny light and camera at the end. It is about the width of your small finger. The camera sends video images to a monitor while it moves through your digestive system. The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Special instruments can be passed through the endoscope to take tissue samples and perform manoeuvres when needed.
Will I be awake during my Gastroscopy?
At the start of your procedure, an anaesthetist will give you an IV sedative which will allow you to sleep during your procedure. You will have no memory of your procedure or discomfort. It is not general anesthesia, as you will still be breathing on your own, and will wake up quickly after the procedure.
Can I go home after my procedure?
Yes, after your procedure, you’ll spend some time in a recovery area while the sedation wears off and you can eat immediately. AProf Debinskiwill speak to you before you go home and review the results.
The sedative you are given for the procedure may affect your memory of the procedure and the events of the next hour or so. Because the sedative may interfere with your judgement or ability to concentrate, you should not drive a motor car, ride a bicycle or travel unaccompanied, use dangerous machinery or sign important documents for the remainder of the day.
It is necessary to arrange for a friend or relative to take you home from the hospital. You must have an adult staying with you in the home overnight following your procedure.
Most people require just one day off work for a gastroscopy. A medical certificate can be provided on the day of the procedure.
Where are these procedures performed?
A Prof Debinski performs all procedures at Cabrini Hospital in the Day Procedure Unit
Are there any complications?
It is very rare for any complications to occur due to gastroscopy. Serious problems such as damage to the gut or anaesthetic complications occur in approximately 1 in 10,000 cases.