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Gastroscopy - What to Expect on Referral to Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Referral Process
Upon receiving a referral for a gastroscopy at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, you will be contacted by the Gastroenterology Department to schedule an appointment. You may receive a phone call or a letter in the post detailing the date and time of your procedure as well as any preparation instructions you might need to follow.
Before the Procedure
In the days leading up to your gastroscopy, you will be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period. Typically, you must fast from midnight if your appointment is in the morning. Specific instructions will be provided in your appointment letter. Be sure to inform the hospital staff about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be paused or adjusted.
During the Procedure
On the day of your gastroscopy, you will check in at the Outpatient Endoscopy Unit. A nurse will take you through the admission process and explain the procedure in detail. You will be offered a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat or a sedative to help you relax. The actual procedure involves a flexible tube (endoscope) being carefully inserted through your mouth and into your stomach to examine your digestive tract.
After the Procedure
Once the gastroscopy is completed, you will be taken to a recovery area to rest until the sedative effects wear off. This typically takes about 30 minutes. If you had a sedative, you will need someone to accompany you home as you will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. The doctor will discuss the findings with you before you leave and provide any necessary follow-up instructions or prescriptions.
Follow-Up Care
Post-procedure, your throat may feel sore for a day or two, and you might feel bloated due to the air introduced during the examination. Most people can resume their normal activities the following day. If any biopsies were taken, your results would be sent to your GP or consultant, who will arrange any further appointments if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to examine the lining of the upper part of your digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
Why might I need a gastroscopy?
You might need a gastroscopy to investigate symptoms such as persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, or to check for certain conditions like ulcers, inflammation, or tumours.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?
You will be asked to not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the procedure to ensure your stomach is empty. Specific instructions will be provided by the hospital.
What can I expect during the gastroscopy procedure?
During the procedure, you will be given a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat and possibly a sedative to help you relax. The endoscope will be gently inserted through your mouth and guided down into your stomach.
Is a gastroscopy painful?
A gastroscopy is generally not painful but can be uncomfortable. The medical team will take steps to ensure you are as comfortable as possible, using anaesthetics and sedatives as needed.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual examination usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. However, you should plan for the entire visit to take a few hours to accommodate preparation and recovery time.
What are the risks of a gastroscopy?
While complications are rare, the risks include reactions to sedatives, bleeding from biopsy sites, or minor tears in the digestive tract lining. The medical team will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
Can I go home right after the procedure?
If you receive a sedative, you will need to stay at the hospital until it wears off, which can take a few hours. It’s advisable to have someone accompany you home and avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours.
Will I receive the results immediately?
Some preliminary results might be discussed with you right after the procedure. However, biopsy results or more detailed findings will take longer, and a follow-up appointment or letter will be arranged.
Is there anything I should do after the gastroscopy?
You should rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure, drink plenty of fluids, and follow any specific aftercare instructions given by the hospital.
Can I eat and drink after the procedure?
Yes, but you should wait until the numbness in your throat has completely worn off to avoid choking. Start with light meals and gradually return to your normal diet.
Do I need to stop taking my medications before the procedure?
Inform the hospital of any medications you are taking. You may need to adjust or stop certain medications before the procedure based on their advice.
How do I book a gastroscopy at Chesterfield Royal Hospital?
You will be referred by your GP or a specialist. After referral, the hospital will contact you to schedule the appointment and provide preparation instructions.
What should I bring with me to the appointment?
Bring your appointment letter, a list of your current medications, your personal ID, and any questions you might have for the medical team.
Who can I contact if I have more questions or concerns about my gastroscopy?
You can contact the Endoscopy Unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital directly for any additional questions or concerns about your procedure.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Bournemouth Digestive Diseases Centre: Gastroscopy Procedure (Subtitled)
- NHS - Gastroscopy Information from the NHS on gastroscopy, including why it's done, how to prepare, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Guts UK Charity - Gastroscopy Guts UK provides detailed information on gastroscopy, its importance, and how it helps diagnose and treat digestive diseases.
- NHS University Hospitals Dorset - Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust offers a comprehensive guide on upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy), including pre-procedure preparations and potential risks.
- Cancer Research UK - Gastroscopy Cancer Research UK explains the use of gastroscopy in diagnosing cancers, how to prepare, what happens during the procedure, and possible side effects.
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