You have been advised to have an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to help find the cause of your symptoms. The test is sometimes called a ‘gastroscopy’ or simply an ‘endoscopy’.
This leaflet has been prepared from talking to patients who have the test. It may not answer all your questions so if you have any worries please do not hesitate to ask. The staff who are doing the test will be available to answer any queries. Not every hospital does things in the same way.
What is an upper GI endoscopy?
Upper GI Endoscopy is a test which allows the endoscopist to look directly at the lining of the oesophagus (the gullet), the stomach and around the first bend of the small intestine - the duodenum. In order to do the test, the tip of the endoscope is passed through your mouth into the stomach.
The endoscope is a long flexible tube (thinner than your little finger) with a bright light at the end. Looking down the tube, the endoscopist gets a clear view of the lining of the oesophagus, small intestine and stomach and can check whether any disease is present.
Sometimes the endoscopist takes a biopsy - a sample of the lining for analysis in the laboratory. A small piece of tissue is removed painlessly through the endoscope using tiny forceps.
What should you expect?
Upper GI endoscopy - are there any alternatives?
An upper GI endoscopy is recommended as it is the best way of diagnosing any problems with the upper digestive system. A barium meal is another option. However, this is not as effective in providing the same level of clinical information, which we may require for your diagnosis and treatment.
Also, if an abnormality is found with a barium meal, you may also still need an upper GI endoscopy to treat the problem or take biopsies (removing small pieces of tissue).
The preparation
To allow a clear view, the stomach must be empty. You will therefore be asked not to have anything to eat or drink for at least six hours before the test.
Diabetic advice:
a.m. appointment
Do not eat from midnight. Please do not take the diabetic tablet or insulin which you would normally take with breakfast. Please contact diabetes team for advice.
p.m. appointment
You may have your normal diabetic tablet or if you are treated with insulin, half of your usual dose with a light breakfast at 7am. Then do not eat or drink anything until after your procedure. Please contact the diabetes team for advice and also guidance on an evening appointment.
When you come to the department, the nurse will explain the test to you and will check that you have signed your consent form. This is to ensure that you understand the test and its implications. Please tell the nurse or endoscopist if you have any allergies or bad reactions to drugs or other tests. They will also want to know about any previous endoscopy you may have had.
If you have any worries or questions at this stage, don’t be afraid to ask. The staff will want you to be as relaxed as possible for the test and will not mind answering your queries. You may be asked to take off your shirt or jumper and to put on a hospital gown. It will also be necessary for you to remove any false teeth or contact lenses. They will be kept safely until after the examination. Please ensure you bring your denture pot with you.
What happens during the test?
Contact lenses and false teeth are removed in the procedure room prior to the test starting.
During the test
The test will always be carried out by an experienced endoscopist or a trainee under appropriate supervision. In the examination room you will be made comfortable on a couch, resting on your left side. A nurse will stay with you throughout the test. You will be given the option of having a local anaesthetic spray into the back of the throat.
Also, the option of an injection in your arm to make you feel sleepy and relaxed (unless your medical condition prevents this which will be reviewed by your clinician).
To keep your mouth slightly open, a plastic mouthpiece will be put gently between your teeth.
When the endoscopist passes the endoscope into your stomach it will not cause you any pain. Nor will it interfere with your breathing at any time. It takes between five to fifteen minutes to examine all the areas carefully. During this time some air will be passed down the tube to distend the stomach and allow the endoscopist a clearer view. The air is sucked out at the end of the test.
If you get a lot of saliva in your mouth, the nurse will clear it using suction (similar to when at the dentist). When the examination is finished, the tube is removed quickly and easily.
After the test
If you do not have sedation you will be able to go home immediately. If you have had sedation, you will be left to rest in the recovery ward for at least 1 hour before being allowed home.
You will be given a drink, but if you have had your throat numbed by a spray, you will have to wait until your swallowing reflex is back to normal. This usually takes one hour. After this you can eat and drink normally.
The back of your throat may feel sore for the rest of the day. You may also feel a little bloated if some of the air has remained in your stomach. Both these discomforts will pass and need no medication.
General information
Going home
If you have had sedation it is essential that someone comes to the unit to pick you up after the test. Once home, it is important to rest quietly for the remainder of the day. Sedation lasts longer than you think, so if you have been given an injection during the examination you should not:
- Drive a car
- Operate machinery
- Drink alcohol
- Sign anything legally binding
The effects of the test and injection should have usually worn off after 24 hours, when most patients are able to resume normal activities.
If you live alone and have no relative who could support/care for you over the 24 hours following your endoscopy you will not be able to have sedation.
When will I know the result?
You will be informed of the test results and receive a report on the same day.
Risks
Diagnostic Endoscopy can result in complications such as reactions to medication, perforation (tear) of the stomach or oesophagus and bleeding, but these complications are very rare (less than 1 in 1000). They may require treatment, and even an operation. Be sure to inform us if you have any unusual pain following the examination.
Contacts
If you are unsure about information given or have any other queries, please contact:
GI Endoscopy Unit Salford Royal Hospital on 0161 206 5959 (9am - 5pm)
Booking Team – 01706 906788
Date of Review: April 2024
Date of Next Review: April 2026
Ref No: PI_SU_1298 (Salford)