Your Gastroscopy:
Complete and Professional Preparation
All the information you need for your upper digestive endoscopy
Medical Information
What is a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy (also called upper digestive endoscopy) is a procedure that allows examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using a flexible tube with a camera. It is essential for diagnosing and treating various digestive conditions.
Accurate Diagnosis
Direct visualization of the upper digestive tract to detect ulcers, inflammation, tumors and other abnormalities.
Safe Procedure
Performed with sedation for your comfort. Approximate duration of 10-15 minutes with minimal discomfort.
Biopsies & Treatment
Allows samples to be taken for analysis and direct treatments such as polyp removal.
Why is preparation important?
Proper preparation is essential for gastroscopy to be safe and effective. The stomach must be completely empty to allow optimal visualization and reduce the risk of complications during the procedure.
Important Instructions
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Follow these steps carefully to ensure the success of your gastroscopy
Fasting from Solids and Liquids
Solid food fasting: You must fast from solid food for at least 8 hours before the procedure.
Water: You can drink water up to 3 hours before the gastroscopy. After that time, do not ingest anything (neither water nor food).
Regular Medication
Consult with your doctor which medications you should take on the day of the procedure. Generally, you can take your regular medication with a small sip of water, but anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents require special attention.
Companion Recommended
Although not strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended that you come accompanied. Due to sedation, you will not be able to drive or perform activities that require concentration for the following 12-24 hours. Your companion will be able to take you home safely.
Day Planning
Do not plan important activities on the day of the procedure. Reserve the day for rest. Do not drive, do not work, and do not make important decisions until the next day.
Required Documentation
Bring your health card, signed informed consent, and an updated list of your medications and allergies. If you have previous tests (blood work, ECG), bring them as well.
Appropriate Clothing
Wear comfortable and loose clothing. Avoid jewelry, contact lenses (wear glasses if you need them), and makeup. Remove dentures if you wear them.
What to Expect
During the Procedure
Before Starting
An anesthetic spray will be applied to your throat and you will be given intravenous sedation so you are relaxed and comfortable.
During Gastroscopy
The endoscope is gently introduced through the mouth. The procedure lasts between 10-15 minutes. You will not feel pain thanks to sedation.
Continuous Monitoring
Throughout the procedure, the medical team will monitor your vital signs (blood pressure, oxygen, heart rate).
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care
Instructions for your recovery after gastroscopy
Immediate Recovery
You will remain under observation for 1-2 hours until the effects of sedation wear off. It is normal to feel a slightly irritated or numb throat.
Gradual Feeding
Wait at least 2 hours before eating or drinking. Start with liquids and soft foods. Resume your normal diet progressively if there are no contrary indications.
Activity Restrictions
Do not drive, do not operate heavy machinery, do not make important decisions, and do not drink alcohol for the next 12-24 hours.
Medication
Resume your regular medication according to your doctor's instructions. If you were prescribed new medications, follow the instructions to the letter.
Warning Signs
Contact the hospital immediately if you experience: severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Results and Follow-up
The doctor will inform you of initial findings after the procedure. If biopsies were taken, results will take a few days. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled if necessary.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about gastroscopy
No, gastroscopy does not hurt. Thanks to the conscious sedation administered, you will be relaxed and will not feel pain during the procedure. A local anesthetic spray is also applied to the throat to minimize any discomfort. You might feel slight pressure or a feeling of fullness, but not pain.
The procedure itself lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. However, you should allow approximately 2-3 hours in total for pre-procedure preparation, the procedure itself, and post-procedure recovery observation time.
In general, you can take your regular medications with a small sip of water the morning of the procedure. However, there are important exceptions:
- Anticoagulants (such as Warfarin): Consult with your doctor, they may require dose adjustment.
- Antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin, clopidogrel): Consult beforehand.
- Diabetes medications: Require special adjustment due to fasting.
Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
The doctor will inform you of visual findings immediately after the procedure, once you have recovered from sedation. If biopsies or samples were taken for analysis, results will be available in approximately 7-10 days. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to review these results in detail.
It is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly recommended to come accompanied. Due to the effects of sedation, you will not be able to drive or perform activities that require concentration for the next 12-24 hours. Your companion will be able to:
- Take you home safely
- Help you remember medical instructions
- Be available in case of any complication
- Provide emotional support
If you cannot get a companion, inform the medical center beforehand to evaluate alternatives.
Conscious sedation is used, generally with medications such as midazolam and fentanyl, administered intravenously. This keeps you relaxed and comfortable, but not completely asleep. Conscious sedation allows you to breathe on your own and respond to simple instructions if necessary. The effects gradually disappear after the procedure.
Gastroscopy is a very safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it has minimal risks:
- Perforation: Extremely rare (less than 0.1%)
- Bleeding: Very infrequent, especially if biopsies are taken
- Reactions to sedation: Uncommon, controlled by the medical team
- Infection: Very rare with current sterilization measures
The diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of gastroscopy far outweigh these minimal risks.
Yes, gastroscopy can be performed during pregnancy if medically necessary, especially in the second trimester which is the safest period. However, it is carefully evaluated whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, it is essential to inform your doctor before the procedure to take appropriate precautions with sedation and other aspects of the procedure.
Need More Information?
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