Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy (also known as an upper endoscopy or EGD) is a safe procedure that uses a miniature camera on a thin, flexible tube to visually examine the inside of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). Gastroscopies are useful for diagnosing and sometimes treating conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing. They can also help with early cancer detection.

Description

Immediately before the gastroscopic procedure, to ensure your comfort, you will receive an intravenous sedative and a local anesthetic spray will be applied to your throat. Once you are in a comfortable position, the endoscopist will gently insert a flexible fiberoptic camera through your throat and esophagus, reaching your stomach. This procedure does not interfere with your breathing. Additionally, the physician may choose to take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for further microscopic examination.

Following your procedure, we will keep you under observation until the effects of the sedative have worn off. You may feel a little discomfort in your throat which should disappear within a day or so.

Gastroscopy Preparation Instructions

Please follow these instructions on the timing for eating and drinking to prepare for your procedure. Your stomach must be empty to allow doctor a better view of your stomach during your procedure

One week before your procedure:

  • STOP all anti-acids medications (ie PPis) for at least 1week before your appointment (unless appointment is urgent).

One week before your procedure:

  • Eat dinner before 6 PM. NO SOLID FOODS starting at 6 PM the evening before your procedure (your stomach must be empty for your procedure). If your appointment is next morning before 11am, you may drink CLEAR FLUIDS (such as water, apple juice or tea without milk or cream) until MIDNIGHT. If your appointment is next day after 11 am, you may drink CLEAR FLUIDS and stop 3 hours prior to your appointment.

The Day of your Procedure:

  • You may take small sips of fluids to quench your thirst until 3 hours prior to your appointment.
  • DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING 3 hours prior to your appointment.
  • You must not take any medications the morning of the procedure, EXCEPT blood pressure meds with small sips of water, unless specifically indicated to you by the anesthesiologist.
  • Bring a list of your current medications (or actual pill bottles) for your appointment.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. You will be sedated for this procedure and will NOT be allowed to drive for 24 hours after your procedure. You must arrange for someone to pick you up after your procedure.
  • Please bring your OHIP health card with you to the appointment. This procedure is covered for patients with valid OHIP health card.

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