Having a gastroscopy - ICID - Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

information 

Having a gastroscopy (1 of 5) 

Introduction 

This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about your 

visit to the Endoscopy Unit and the examination you will be having. 

Please read ALL the information otherwise you may miss important 

instructions that will put you at risk. The Endoscopist may then decide 

to postpone your investigation. 

Students or staff in training may be observing or performing this 

examination under supervision by the Endoscopist. Please tell the staff 

in advance if you are not happy with this by telephoning the number 

below. 

If you have any questions regarding the information or instructions in 

this booklet, please call the Endoscopy Unit on the number below and a 

member of staff will be pleased to help you. 

The number to call is 01722 429381. 

If you are unable to keep this appointment, please telephone as soon as 

possible so that we can offer this date to another patient. 

Where are we? 

If you need this 

information in 

another language or 

medium (audio, large 

print, etc) please 

contact the Customer 

Care Team on 0800 

374 208 email: 

customercare@ 

salisbury.nhs.uk. 

You are entitled to a copy 

of any letter we write about 

you. Please ask if you want 

one when you come to the 

hospital. 

The evidence used in the 

preparation of this leaflet 

is available on request. 

Please email: patient. 

information@salisbury. 

nhs.uk if you would like a 

reference list. 

Author: Heather Easton 

Role: Endoscopy Nurse Practitioner 

Date written: June 2006 

Last revised: February 2012 

Next review due: January 2015 

Version: 2.1 

Code: PI0090 

Please report to the 

Endoscopy Reception, 

which is situated in the MRI/ 

CT Scanner suite on Level 3. 

A receptionist will book you 

in and then direct you to the 

Endoscopy waiting area. 

What is a 

gastroscopy? 

This is a test which allows 

the Endoscopist to look 

directly at the gullet 

(oesophagus), the stomach 

and around the bend of the 

small intestine (duodenum). 

A slim flexible tube (called 

an endoscope) with a bright 

light at the end is passed 

Endoscopy Unit 

Tel: 01722 429381 

© Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust 

Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8BJ 

www.salisbury.nhs.uk

from your mouth into your stomach. The whole area is looked at and, if necessary snippets of 

tissue (biopsies) can be taken. 

Are there any alternatives to this test? 

Not really. A barium swallow can look for any blockages in the gullet and a barium meal can 

detect large ulcers but an endoscopy is the only test that can look directly at the lining. 

Are there any risks to this test? 

A gastroscopy is a safe procedure and a very good way to investigate your symptoms. Risks 

and complications are rare and the benefits of a correct diagnosis outweigh the risks. 

There is a 1 in 3000 risk of bleeding or tearing the gut. If this happens it may be necessary to 

admit you to hospital for surgery to repair the tear. 

What should I do before the test? 

If you are suffering from a cold, sore throat or chest infection you should contact your GP or the 

Endoscopy Unit because it may be necessary to postpone your test. 

It is important that you do not have anything to eat 5 hours prior to the examination and nothing 

to drink 2 hours prior to the examination. 

If you have sedation you will not be able to drive yourself home. It is important therefore, for 

you to arrange for a relative or friend to collect you from the Endoscopy Unit and stay with you 

overnight. 

Please telephone the contact number if you are allergic to latex. 

Should I take my medication as normal? 


If you take essential prescribed medication - for example, for epilepsy or a heart condition - you 

may take this with a little water. If you are diabetic please telephone the Endoscopy Unit and a 

trained nurse will advise you on your medication. 

If you are taking Losec, Zoton, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole or 

Esomeprazole and this is the FIRST time you have had a gastroscopy, please stop taking the 

tablets 2 weeks prior to your appointment. 

What should I expect at the Endoscopy Unit? 

You will be welcomed to the Endoscopy Reception desk by a receptionist who will check 

your details and direct you to the Endoscopy Unit waiting area. A nurse will collect you from 

there and show you to the ward. Your personal details will be checked, a full explanation 

of the procedure will be given and your consent to the examination requested. If you have 

any questions, please ask. We want you to be as relaxed as possible. If you are taking any 

medication please tell the nurse. 

Your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen level will be monitored throughout your stay. 

The examination is normally carried out under local anaesthetic throat spray. Sedation may be 

given if you prefer. If you choose to have sedation, a small needle will be placed into the vein in 


Tel: 01722 429381 




your arm or hand to enable it to be given. 


Sedation does have some risks. The two main risks are: 

• breathing problems caused by saliva or gastric juices getting into the lungs during the 

procedure 

• a slow breathing rate. 

The endoscopist will assess the right dose to reduce the risk of these complications. The nurses 

will monitor your oxygen level throughout the gastroscopy and can use a small suction tube to 

remove excess moisture from your mouth. 

There is no need to undress but we suggest that you wear loose fitting clothes. Please leave any 

jewellery and valuables at home. 

The ward has separate bays for men and women and the staff are committed to ensuring your 

privacy at all times. 

Transfer to the examination room 

You will be collected from the Endoscopy waiting room by a nurse and shown into the treatment 

room, where you will be asked to sit on a trolley. 

You will need to remove any dentures and spectacles. The nurses will put them in a safe place. 

The Endoscopist will spray the back of your throat with local anaesthetic. We will then ask you 

to lie on your left side. 

If you have requested sedation, this will then be given (if you have sedation you will not have 

throat spray). A small plastic mouthpiece will be inserted to protect your teeth and the nurses 

will monitor your pulse and oxygen levels throughout the examination. 

A gastroscopy usually takes about ten minutes. 

After the examination 

If you have had the procedure without sedation you can leave as soon as you feel ready. You will 

normally be here for about one hour in total. 

If you have had sedation, you will be returned to the ward and allowed to rest until you are ready 

to go home. You will normally be here for about two hours in total. You may be offered a hot 

drink once you are recovered. Your escort must come to the Unit to collect you. 

How will I feel after the examination? 

The procedure should not be painful. You may have a slightly ‘full’ feeling in your stomach but 

this will soon pass. 

Your throat may feel a bit sore for the rest of the day. It will settle without treatment. 

Please ask the person collecting you to come to the CT/MRI/Endoscopy Reception. 

If you had sedation it may take some hours to wear off completely. Your escort may need to take 

you to the main entrance in a wheelchair. 


Tel: 01722 429381 




Please remember that the sedation you have had can make you clumsy, slow and forgetful for up 

to 24 hours. This will happen even if you feel quite alright. 

Therefore, UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY please: 

• DO NOT make important decisions. 

• DO NOT drive a motor vehicle. This is a legal requirement, not advice. 

• DO NOT operate machinery 

• DO NOT have any alcohol. 

When can I eat and drink? 

If you have had throat spray you may eat and drink one hour after the examination. 

When will I know the results? 

If you have had throat spray the Endoscopist will be able to give you the results straight after the 

examination, before you leave the procedure room. 

If you have had sedation the Endoscopist, or one of the nurses, will speak to you when you have 

recovered. 

In either case, a report will also be sent to your GP. 


If you have had biopsies taken, the results will take approximately 5 days. 

The consent form 

The consent form shows the Endoscopist you are agreeing to undergo the treatment as stated 

on the form. It also gives you a written check on what you have agreed to. 

You will find the consent form included with this booklet. Please read the form and bring it with 

you to the Endoscopy Unit on the day of your procedure. However, before you sign the form you 

should be clear what you are consenting to. A leaflet ‘About the consent form’ is also included 

with this booklet. Please read it carefully. You will have the opportunity to discuss any problems 

with the nursing staff before the procedure is carried out. 

What if I change my mind? 

You are within your rights to change your mind. If you have read this leaflet and you have 

decided not to go ahead with the procedure, please telephone the Endoscopy Unit to cancel the 

appointment. Also, please discuss the decision with your GP. 

And finally 

A gastroscopy is a minor procedure and complications are rare. If you feel that all is not 

well, please tell the nurses. Once you are home, contact your GP if you have any anxieties or 

symptoms resulting from the test. 


Tel: 01722 429381 




Checklist 

Things to remember before your procedure: 

• Read this leaflet carefully 

• Note the appointment date in your diary 


• Telephone the Endoscopy Unit to confirm acceptance of your appointment 

• Complete the questionnaire 

• Have nothing to eat for 5 hours before your appointment 

• Have nothing to drink for 2 hours before your appointment 

• Check for specific medication instructions 

• Make arrangements for someone to collect you from the Endoscopy Unit if you are having 

sedation 

• Make arrangements for someone to stay with you overnight if you are having sedation 

• Please bring this booklet, questionnaire and consent form with you to the Endoscopy Unit. 


Tel: 01722 429381

Having a gastroscopy - ICID - Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

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