articles / Preparing for a Gastroscopy
A Gastroscopy, Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy or an Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to investigate the health of your upper digestive tract. This procedure involves a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on one end being inserted into your mouth and guided down the esophagus.
An experienced doctor will then examine the walls of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum) for any abnormalities.
OGDs are commonly used to detect a variety of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and narrowing or blockages in the GI tract. Additionally, OGDs can be used to diagnose issues such as bleeding, infection and inflammation. OGDs can also be used to detect cancers such as stomach or oesophageal cancer.
During the procedure, a doctor will look for any signs of abnormal growths that may indicate the presence of cancer. If these are found, tissue samples will likely be taken and sent off for further testing to confirm whether or not it is cancerous. Additionally, an OGD can be used to check whether cancer has spread from a primary site to other parts of the body. OGDs are considered safe and relatively painless procedures, especially under experienced hands such as that of a Gastroenterologist.
Knowing what to do during your Gastroscopy and when to do it can help make the experience easier and less stressful. This guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to prepare for your Gastroscopy, beginning 1 week before the procedure all the way up until the day itself.
The most important thing you can do one week before your procedure is to plan ahead. Make sure you have enough time off work or school and that any other commitments are taken care of.
You may also need to stop certain medications at this point. If you have questions about what you need to do specifically, contact your gastroenterologist’s clinic.
On the day before your Gastroscopy, avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to the procedure. Additionally, you will likely be asked not to eat or drink anything except for sips of water from midnight before your procedure onwards.
On the day of your Gastroscopy, arrive at the clinic at least half an hour before your scheduled appointment. Make sure to bring any medications you are taking with you, including any prescribed pain relief.
It is also advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of your OGD and not to wear any jewelry, makeup or contact lenses on the day of your Gastroscopy.
Sedation medications are given to patients before the start of OGD so that patients are comfortably asleep during the procedure. Two types of sedation are available: moderate or deep sedation. You can decide on which sedation option is best suited for you after a discussion with your doctor.
OGD is done by introducing a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera at its end into the upper digestive system. This tube can be inserted through either the nostril or the mouth to allow for detailed examination of the tract. During an OGD procedure, any abnormalities such as polyps (typically benign growths) can be identified and removed, and tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken for further analysis. Additionally, it may also be possible to perform other procedures such as stretching narrowed areas, removing swallowed objects or treating bleeding from the upper digestive system.
Do not worry if your bowel movements change colour. They may become yellow or clear as you clean out your colon. This is a sign that your colonoscopy prep is working.
After your OGD is complete, it may take several days to get the results and a doctor’s appointment might also be needed to discuss them with you. Depending on what was found during the procedure, further investigations may also be needed. In some cases, a biopsy might be taken to send for further testing in order to confirm the diagnosis or check for cancer.
Overall, OGDs are a safe and effective way of diagnosing conditions related to the upper digestive tract. By following the instructions above, you can ensure that your OGD is as successful and stress free as possible.
In conclusion, OGDs are a minimally invasive and safe way to diagnose conditions related to the upper digestive tract. By following the steps outlined above, you can prepare for your Gastroscopy and make it as successful and stress-free as possible.
A gastroscopy is a low-risk, simple and very safe procedure to perform, with most people only reporting very slight discomfort at the back of their throat for a short period of time. Complications can occur, but are very rare.
Results should be out in about 2 weeks from the date which the scope was done.
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Here at PS Tan Digestive & Liver Centre, we are dedicated to providing quality healthcare and endoscopic services to all our patients. We’re on a quest to lower colorectal cancer rates and to effectively treat a wide range of digestive diseases.
