Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

What is an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?

Endoscopy involves the use of a flexible fiberoptic tube to examine the upper intestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure is commonly undertaken if your doctor suspects that you have inflammation of the oesophagus (the pipe which connects the throat to the stomach), an ulcer, inflammation or other abnormality of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum.

How are you prepared?

You need to fast for 6 hours before the procedure.
At the beginning of the procedure, your throat may be sprayed with a local anaesthetic and you will be given a sedative by injection to make you more comfortable. The procedure will take between 5 and 15 minutes and you will be sleepy for about half and hour afterwards.

What do we do?

An endoscope is a flexible tube about 9mm in diameter. It allows full colour inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It allows biopsies to be taken from the small bowel and other areas.

Special Considerations:

If you have a serious heart or chest problem, special precautions need to be taken to reduce any possible risk. You should therefore inform your doctor of any serious illness of this nature. The precautions taken will usually include providing oxygen during the procedure and monitoring the heart and oxygen levels during the procedure.

You should advise the nursing staff if you are sensitive (allergic) to any drug or other substance.

Safety and Risks:

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually simple and safe. It is unlikely to cause problems for the patients unless they have a reaction to the sedation or damage to the oesophagus at the time of examination. Such complications are extremely rare, however if you wish to have full details of all possible rare complications discussed before the procedure, you should inform your doctor.

Discharge Information:

As stated previously, the immediate effects of the sedation wear off quite quickly, however, the drugs stay in your system for approximately 12 hours. During this time your judgment and coordination may be impaired.

Please be aware of the following during that time:

You must have a responsible adult come to the Endoscopy Unit to pick you up, drive you home and stay with you for no less than 12 hours following your procedure.
You may resume your normal diet.
Your referring doctor will receive a full report from the Specialist.
Do not drive for 12 hours post procedure. It is illegal to drive whilst under the influence of a drug.
No cooking tea, or using any electrical appliances or tools (such as sharp knives).
Do not travel unaccompanied on public transport or go out by yourself.
Do not resume work until the following day.
Do not sign any legal documents until the next day.

It is advisable to have pre-cooked your evening meal to prevent exposure to any of the above situations. You must have PRE-ARRANGED with your partner / neighbour / relative or friend to be available until the following day should you require assistance.

THE ABOVE DISCHARGE INFORMATION IS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE AFTER RECEIVING ANAESTHETIC / SEDATIVE DRUGS AND IF YOU CHOOSE TO UNDERTAKE ANY OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ACTIVITIES WITHIN 12 HOURS OF YOUR PROCEDURE, YOU ARE DOING SO AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE AND THEREFORE MAY BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY YOU CAUSE.



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Healthscope Hospitals Medical Centres GP Clinics Skin Clinics Community Programs Human Pathology Advanced Pathology Veterinary Pathology Australia New Zealand Commercial Pathology Functional Pathology	Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy What is an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy? Endoscopy involves the use of a flexible fiberoptic tube to examine the upper intestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure is commonly undertaken if your doctor suspects that you have inflammation of the oesophagus (the pipe which connects the throat to the stomach), an ulcer, inflammation or other abnormality of the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum. How are you prepared? You need to fast for 6 hours before the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure, your throat may be sprayed with a local anaesthetic and you will be given a sedative by injection to make you more comfortable. The procedure will take between 5 and 15 minutes and you will be sleepy for about half and hour afterwards. What do we do? An endoscope is a flexible tube about 9mm in diameter. It allows full colour inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It allows biopsies to be taken from the small bowel and other areas. Special Considerations: If you have a serious heart or chest problem, special precautions need to be taken to reduce any possible risk. You should therefore inform your doctor of any serious illness of this nature. The precautions taken will usually include providing oxygen during the procedure and monitoring the heart and oxygen levels during the procedure. You should advise the nursing staff if you are sensitive (allergic) to any drug or other substance. Safety and Risks: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually simple and safe. It is unlikely to cause problems for the patients unless they have a reaction to the sedation or damage to the oesophagus at the time of examination. Such complications are extremely rare, however if you wish to have full details of all possible rare complications discussed before the procedure, you should inform your doctor. Discharge Information: As stated previously, the immediate effects of the sedation wear off quite quickly, however, the drugs stay in your system for approximately 12 hours. During this time your judgment and coordination may be impaired. Please be aware of the following during that time: You must have a responsible adult come to the Endoscopy Unit to pick you up, drive you home and stay with you for no less than 12 hours following your procedure. You may resume your normal diet. Your referring doctor will receive a full report from the Specialist. Do not drive for 12 hours post procedure. It is illegal to drive whilst under the influence of a drug. No cooking tea, or using any electrical appliances or tools (such as sharp knives). Do not travel unaccompanied on public transport or go out by yourself. Do not resume work until the following day. Do not sign any legal documents until the next day. It is advisable to have pre-cooked your evening meal to prevent exposure to any of the above situations. You must have PRE-ARRANGED with your partner / neighbour / relative or friend to be available until the following day should you require assistance. THE ABOVE DISCHARGE INFORMATION IS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE AFTER RECEIVING ANAESTHETIC / SEDATIVE DRUGS AND IF YOU CHOOSE TO UNDERTAKE ANY OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ACTIVITIES WITHIN 12 HOURS OF YOUR PROCEDURE, YOU ARE DOING SO AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE AND THEREFORE MAY BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY YOU CAUSE.
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