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.

Instructions

Before your gastroscopy appointment, please be sure to read the information sheet with full details. Click below to view instructions.

Download Instructions

Because you will receive sedation as part of the gastroscopy, you may not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. You must arrange for another adult to take you home after your procedure.You can expect to be at the clinic for 2 ½ to 3 hours.

Stop taking any ASA, blood thinning or iron medication 5 days before your procedure. For other medications, please check with your doctor.

The night before your gastroscopy, do not eat or drink anything after midnight. You must have an empty stomach for the procedure.

Referral Forms

Referral Forms
Mackenzie Referral Form Download Form