Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of indigestion, upper/lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty
swallowing, change in bowel habits FOBT+ It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper/lower
gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy is more accurate than x-rays to detect inflammation, ulcers or tumours in the
upper/lower GI tract.
Before the procedure a light anaesthetic (sedative) is usually given – you will not receive a full general anaesthetic. You may be slightly aware of what is going on in the room, but generally you won’t remember anything. The doctor and medical staff monitor your vital signs during the procedure and will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Once sedated and lying in a comfortable position on your left side, the endoscope is passed through. The tube is just less than one centimetre in diameter. A small camera in the end of the scope transmits a video image to a monitor, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the lining of your upper/lower GI tract.
You will be monitored in the recovery area until most of the effects of the sedation medication have worn off. Your throat might be a little sore (for Gastroscopy) and you might feel bloated because of the air introduced into your tummy.
In most circumstances your doctor will briefly inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure. A follow-up appointment may be
made to discuss the test results more fully. The results of any biopsies or samples taken will take several days.
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