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Patient Information
Endoscopy enables a doctor to see inside your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum, through a narrow optic fibre lens inserted through your mouth. If your doctor suspects something may be wrong with your stomach, oesophagus or duodenum, an endoscopy may help in the diagnosis of the problem, and help determine the best treatment. Ulcers and inflammation are the most common causes of discomfort.
The procedure is performed in the Endoscopy Suite, which is part of the Day Procedure Suite.
Preparation
It is usually advised that no food be taken for 12 hours before an endoscopy. You are generally advised not to eat or drink from midnight on the day prior to the test, as it is important that your stomach is empty before the procedure (You may take medication with a sip of water). It is important to inform your doctor about any medication you are taking or allergies to which you are susceptible. You should of course tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The Procedure
In the procedure room you will be given a sedative, through a small needle placed in a vein on the back of your hand. This will cause you to become slightly drowsy. It is not a general anaesthetic such as you would have for an operation. With this sedative you will recover easily and quickly after the procedure, and feel no after effects.
You will also have received a local anaesthetic to numb the throat for the test, this will be administered either as a mouth spray or more commonly as a liquid gargle.
The endoscope is a soft, flexible tube about as thick as a ballpoint pen, and contains optic fibres which carry the picture from the tip to the viewing lens held by the doctor. Although you will swallow the endoscope you shouldn't feel any discomfort (you will probably be almost asleep anyway). You may remember little of the test after its completion.
Afterwards
The endoscopy usually takes about 15-20 minutes, and after 40 minutes, the sedative will have worn off. After the procedure you will be returned to the Day Surgery Suite/your room for observation and to recover from the sedative effects of the injection. For a short time your throat may feel slightly sore.
Advice to the Patient
For the first 24 hours...
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid driving a vehicle
- Eat a light diet
You should have arranged for a friend or relative to drive you home after the test is completed (approximately 3 hours after appointment time). Although the sedative wears off quickly, legally you must wait for a period of several hours before driving, using machinery or signing legal documents.
Further information about endoscopy is available from the nursing staff of Western Hospital, or from reception on (08) 8356 1222.
