GASTROSCOPY
MICHAEL EDWARDS
Author's note
This information describes what a patient may expect when having the described operation.
The information is specific to the author's practice.
Other surgeons will doubtless differ in their preferences.
The script can be down loaded and edited to suit other surgeons.
You will need Abobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/acrobat/readermain.html
Your Gastroscopy - Some Information
These notes give a guide to your stay in hospital. They also give an idea about what it will be like afterwards. They do not cover everything. If you want to know more, please ask.
What is a Gastroscopy?
Strictly speaking a gastroscopy (ga-stross-copy) is just an examination of your stomach. But on the way we examine you from the back of your mouth right down the oesophagus which runs inside your chest into your stomach. And we can examine beyond your stomach into the upper part of the gut called the duodenum.
How is it done?
The back of your throat is numbed with a spray. We slide the gastroscope down the back of your tongue for about 3 minutes while the examination is done. Then we slide the gastroscope out again. That is all you notice.
Are there any alternatives?
We need to know what is going on inside your stomach and the other parts of your feeding system. X-rays and scans are not the answer at this stage. Doing nothing may mean we miss something important.
What happens before the operation?
Welcome to the ward
You will be welcomed to the ward by the nurses or the receptionist. You will have your details checked. We will check that you have not had anything to eat or drink for at least 8 hours so that your stomach will be empty.
You will be asked to hand in any medicines or drugs you may be taking, so that your drug treatment in hospital will be correct. Please tell the nurses of any allergies to drugs or dressings.
You will be asked to wear a cotton gown and to make yourself comfortable on a wheeled couch.
You will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to the gastroscopy.
You will be seen by the surgeon who will be doing the operation. He will check that all the necessary preparations have been made.
Timing of the operation
The operation is timed to the nearest quarter hour or so. Do not be surprised, however, if there are delays.
Premedication
A sedative before the operation is not needed.
The Gastroscopy
First you will have your mouth and the back of your throat sprayed 3 or 4 times to make the lining numb. The spray tastes of orange and is a little sour.
Then you have a little needle put into an arm vein in case a sedative is needed.
You will be turned to lie on your left side. You will be given a plastic tooth guard to bite on.
Then the gastroscope is passed slowly down the back of your tongue. It tickles and makes fizzing noises. You will be asked to swallow once or twice to get the tube started on its journey down the back of your throat.
You will be able to breathe normally, but you will find it difficult to talk because of the tube.
You may feel your tummy swelling a little with wind as we blow air down the gastroscope to get a good view. You may even burp loudly. This is normal. The swelling soon passes off.
Some people get a sickly feeling at one moment during the examination. This passes quickly.
You can have a look down into your stomach with a special attachment on the gastroscope if you want.
As the gastroscope is taken out at the end of the examination, it makes a noise in your mouth clearing any secretions.
What happens after the operation?
Coming round after the gastroscopy
You may feel drowsy afterwards. You may in fact not remember the gastroscopy at all.
Drinking and eating
You should not drink for 1 hour after the gastroscopy while your throat is numb. After 2 hours you can eat and drink normally.
What about informing my relatives and contacts?
With your permission, the nurses and doctors will keep your relatives and contacts up to date with your progress.
How long in hospital?
You can leave hospital after an hour or two provided someone goes with you.
You will be given an appointment to visit the Out Patient Department for the result of the examination.
Sick notes
Please ask the nurses for sick notes, certificates etc.
After you leave hospital
You may feel tired for a day or so.
Important
You should not drive, use machinery or make any important decisions for 24 hours since the gastroscopy can be a little upsetting to the system.
General advice
The examination is very quick and easy.
If you have any problems or queries, please ask the nurses or doctors.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions, jot them down here and ask the doctors or nurses for answers.
Any complaints?
If you have any complaints, please contact the doctors or nurses straight away. If this does not solve the problem, please write to your surgeon
Have you any comments?
We welcome your comments and suggestions covering your illness, your treatment in hospital, and your recovery. Please write below any points you would like to make. If you prefer, you need not give your name.
Full name:
Hospital:
Ward:
Date of stay in hospital:
Operation:
Out patients department:
Your admission arrangements:
Your welcome on the ward:
Nursing staff:
General ward atmosphere:
Medical staff:
Ward orderlies:
Portering staff:
X-ray staff:
ECG staff:
Did you know who was who?:
Bedding:
Food and drink:
Privacy:
Locker space:
Toilets:
Bathrooms:
Other patients:
Noise:
Information:
Telephone/TV/radio/newspapers:
Timing of operation:
Preparations for your operation:
Going into the theatre:
In the operating theatre:
In the recovery room:
Coming back from theatre:
Intensive Care ward:
Recovery on the ward:
Pain control:
Sleeping:
Wound dressings:
Stitches, clips:
Progress reports:
Visiting hours:
Rest room:
Tablets, medicines, injections:
Going-home arrangements:
Out-patient follow up:
Anything else?
Continue comments overleaf if you wish.
Please send this questionnaire to your surgeon.
