Preparing yourself for Upper GI Endoscopy
The preparation: To allow a clear view, the stomach must be empty. You will therefore be asked not to have anything to eat or drink for at least six hours before the test. When you come to the department, a doctor will explain the test to you and will usually ask you to sign a consent form. This is to ensure that you understand the test and its implications. Please tell the doctor or nurse if you have had any allergies or bad reactions to drugs or other tests. They will also want to know about any previous endoscopy you have had. If you have any worries or questions at this stage don’t be afraid to ask. The staff will want you to be as relaxed as possible for the test and will not mind answering your queries.
You may be asked to take off your shirt or jumper and to put on a hospital gown. It will also be necessary for you to remove any false teeth. They will be kept safely until after the examination.
During the test: In the examination room you will be made comfortable in a couch, resting on your left side. A nurse will stay with you throughout the test. Some doctors may spray a local anesthetic on the back of your throat or give you a tablet to suck to numb the area. The doctor may give you an injection in to your arm to make you feel sleepy and relaxed but many hospitals now find that the test can be performed without any sedation, as the endoscopes have become much smaller and are easier to swallow. To keep your mouth slightly open, a plastic mouthpiece will be put gently between your teeth. When the doctor passes the endoscope into your stomach it will not cause you any pain, nor will it interfere with your breathing at any time. It may take up to fifteen minutes to examine all the areas of the stomach carefully. During this time some air will be passed down the tube to distend the stomach and allow the doctor a clearer view. The air is sucked out at the end of the test. If you get a lot of saliva in your mouth, the nurse will clear it using a sucker. When the examination is finished, the tube is removed quickly and easily.
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