During the gastroscopy, everything will be done to help you be as comfortable as possible. Your blood pressure, pulse, and the oxygen level in your blood will be carefully monitored. Your doctor may give you a sedative medication; the drug will make you relaxed and drowsy, but you will remain awake enough to cooperate.
You may also have your throat sprayed or be asked to gargle with a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable as the endoscope is passed. A supportive mouthpiece will be placed to help you keep your mouth open during the endoscopy. Once you are fully prepared, your doctor will gently maneuver the endoscope into position.
As the endoscope is slowly and carefully inserted, air is introduced through it to help your doctor see better. During the procedure, you should feel no pain and it will not interfere with your breathing.
Your doctor will use the endoscope to look closely for any problems that may require evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take a sample of tissue, called a biopsy, for later examination under the microscope. This too is a painless procedure. In other cases, the endoscope can be used to treat a problem such as active bleeding from an ulcer.
When your gastroscopy is completed, you will be cared for in a recovery area until most effects of the medication have worn off.
Your doctor will inform you about the results of the upper GI endoscopy and provide any additional information you need to know.
After your gastroscopy, you will be given instructions regarding how soon you can eat and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal activity.
By the time you are ready to go home, you’ll feel stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, you should plan on resting for the remainder of the day. This means not driving, so you’ll need to have a family member or friend take you home.