Gastroscopy - What to Expect on Referral to Chesterfield Royal Hospital

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bring your appointment letter, a list of your current medications, your personal ID, and any questions you might have for the medical team.

You can contact the Endoscopy Unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital directly for any additional questions or concerns about your procedure.