Information on gastroscopy

It is very important that you do not have an upper respiratory illness (cold, flu, sore throat) at the time of the test, because in such cases the lack of unobstructed nasal breathing will make the test much more unpleasant or it may not be possible to perform it because of a feeling of suffocation.
So if you are ill, postpone the examination and make a new appointment.

Things to do before the test

• A gastroscopy should be performed on an empty stomach .
  You can have a light dinner in the early evening the day before, but after that, you should not eat any more.
• Do not smoke the day before the test.
• If the test is in the afternoon rather than early morning, you can have breakfast that day, and even empty soup for lunch.
  You are not allowed to eat any food in pieces in the 8 hours before the test.
• You should not drink any liquids for 5-6 hours before the test.
• Do not chew gum before the test, as this can also trigger increased gastric juice production, which can interfere with the rapid and successful completion of the test.
• If you are very thirsty during the 6 hours before the test, you can reduce the feeling of thirst significantly by rinsing your mouth.

Outer clothing (sweater, jacket, etc.) should usually be removed before the examination and if the patient is wearing a belt, tight skirt or trousers, these should be unbuttoned or loosened.
This is necessary because the abdomen swells slightly when air is blown in, and the tightness caused by tight clothing can be uncomfortable and painful.
If you are having a gastroscopy with anaesthesia, you should bring an escort! After the examination, the patient must be observed for 1 hour, after which he/she may leave with the attendant and may not drive the same day.