GASTROSCOPY
GASTROSCOPY
A gastroscopy is a procedure in which a long thin flexible camera is passed through your mouth into your stomach. Biopsies can be taken and small growths can be removed.
A Gastroscopy is a procedure used to examine the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and duodenum (first part of small intestines). An endoscope is a thin, flexible, telescope which is about as thick as a little finger. The endoscope is passed through the mouth into the esophagus and down towards the stomach and duodenum. The tip of the endoscope contains a light and a tiny video camera so the doctor can see inside your gut.
The endoscope also has a “side channel” down which various instruments can pass. These can be manipulated by the doctor to take a small sample (biopsy) from the inside lining of the stomach by using a thin “grabbing” instrument which is passed down the side channel.
Risks of Gastroscopy: In the hands of an experienced endoscopist the risks are very low. They include the following:
- Bleeding
- Perforation
- Aspiration (inhalation of liquid into the lungs)
- Injury to the esophagus
- Sore throat
Preparing for your Gastroscopy
FOOD
Avoid all food for eight (8) hours before the examination. You can have water or clear juice only, up to four (4) hours before the gastroscopy.
OZEMPIC and WEGOVY
You need to skip two doses of these medications prior to your colonoscopy. They will slow the bowels down and increase your risk of aspiration (vomiting into your lungs).
BLOOD THINNERS
If you take blood thinning medication such as, apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Lixiana), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), warfarin (Coumadin) or Plavix usually do not need to be stopped for a gastroscopy with Dr. Mandelbaum. However, if you are having a colonoscopy as well then you may need to stop these medications. If Dr. Mandelbaum has not given you clear instructions at the time you agreed to the procedure please contact the office.
YOUR REGULAR MEDICATIONS
DIABETES medications are different. If you take pills for diabetes
they SHOULD NOT be taken before the procedure. Examples of
diabetes pills include metformin, gliclazide, invokana, janumet,
Jardiance. If you take insulin in the morning, you should take
one half your regular insulin dose at your regular time before
the procedure.
THE DAY OF YOUR GASTROSCOPY
When you arrive at the hospital you need to check in at registration on the main floor by the entrance and then go to the endoscopy unit on the 3rd floor.
An intravenous will be started and then you will be placed on a stretcher and wheeled to the hallway outside the procedure room. The anesthetist will meet you and review your history.
Please remove any dentures at this time. We will give you a receptacle.
To begin the procedure monitors for your vital signs will be placed and a plastic mouth guard will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth. It is hard to talk once this is in. You will be asked to turn onto your left side.
The anesthetist will then begin giving you the sedative. This medication can burn in the arm for a short period as it goes in. We will then perform the gastroscopy. This portion takes only a few minutes and most people do not remember having the tube inside at all. Many wake up wondering if the procedure was actually done.
During the procedure small samples (biopsies) may be taken. These will be sent to the laboratory for examination by the pathologist. The testing may include looking for a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori which is associated with an increased risk of ulcers.
AFTER YOUR GASTROSCOPY
Dr. Mandelbaum will speak with you once you are awake in the recovery room to give you results. A follow up plan will be made.
The nurses will then prepare you for discharge. You will be in the recovery area for about 45 to 60 minutes while the sedation wears off.
If you have sedation, you must have a responsible adult to accompany you to your home. We do not allow you to go home on your own. An Uber or taxi driver does not count.
You cannot drive or operate dangerous machinery for 24 hours after the procedure. You should avoid making important decisions during this period.
If you do not have a person to accompany you home no sedation will be given.
You cannot drive or operate dangerous machinery for 24 hours after the procedure. You should avoid making important decisions during this period.
If you do not have a person to accompany you home no sedation will be given.
All medications you regularly take can be resumed once you are discharged.
The effects of the sedation can last for the rest of the day leaving you feeling drowsy. During this time you should avoid alcohol. You may have a sore throat and this normally resolves in a day or two. You can use lozenges for this. Most people feel a bit bloated from the introduced air.
You should not have pain or any other worrying symptoms after the gastroscopy. You should contact Dr. Mandelbaum, your family doctor or go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital if you are concerned.
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