Gastroscopy

GASTROSCOPY
You have been scheduled by your doctor to have a Gastroscopy, a procedure that permits direct and detailed visualization of the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

This direct visualization is accomplished by the use of a lighted flexible instrument. Biopsies of the stomach may be taken or polyps removed during Gastroscopy.

COMPLICATIONS
As with any procedure involving tube insertion, growth removal, or biopsy, there is a slight risk of complication. The overall rate is less than 1%. A small tear in the gastric or esophageal wall is an infrequent complication which requires almost immediate surgical intervention. Another infrequent complication is bleeding from the area a polyp is removed. This may also require surgery if the bleeding fails to stop spontaneously. It should be emphasized that the rate of complication is small; however, the risks involved must be understood by the person having the exam. These points will be discussed with you by your Physician.

PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE
A written consent form authorizing your Physician to perform the gastroscopy must be signed prior to the procedure. To insure a good examination, the stomach must be empty. This may be accomplished by your having nothing to drink or eat after midnight the night before the procedure.

Report to the Registration Desk of the Outpatient Surgical Services at the time of your scheduled appointment. From here you will be directed to the G.I. Suite where you will change into a patient gown. Your clothing and dentures (if any) will be placed in a safe area and returned to you prior to your leaving the G.I. Suite.

Just prior to the procedure, an intravenous will be started. The purpose for this is to give medication which will make you relaxed and drowsy. You will also be given an oral spray medication which will numb your throat.

Any relatives or friends will be asked to wait in the surgical waiting room. We will call for them to speak with your Physician after the procedure is completed.

DURING THE PROCEDURE
After proper relaxation is achieved, your Physician will insert the tube into the esophagus through the mouth and throat. This is ordinarily accomplished with ease due to the relaxing effect of the medication. The endoscopy tube will not interfere with your breathing, and generally the examination is completed in a time interval of 10 to 15 minutes. During the procedure you will be relaxed and drowsy.

FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE
After the procedure you will remain in the G.I. unit under observation by the nursing personnel until you are alert and oriented. For this examination it is mandatory that someone be with you who can drive you home. When you are ready to leave (one or two hours after the procedure), you will be given final instructions.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the examination, please feel free to discuss them with your Physician or the G.I. nurses. Call Outpatient Surgical Services at (954) 693-8600.