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| Auckland
City Hospital Gastroscopy Information |
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| What is a
gastroscopy and colonoscopy? |
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| Gastroscopy is diagnostic test that enables the
inside of your upper digestive tract to be viewed. A specialist
doctor performs the examination with a gastroscope; a long, thin,
flexible tube-like instrument that houses a miniature camera in the
tip. The camera transmits an image of the surrounding tissue to a
television monitor, which a doctor views. By advancing the tube
along the inside of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum the doctor
can carefully inspect the tissue. Gastroscopy takes approximately
five minutes.
Similar to gastroscopy, colonoscopy is an examination of the
large bowel (colon) which takes 20-30 minutes.
During gastroscopy and colonoscopy tiny samples of tissue
called biopsies may be taken for analysis under the microscope.
Small wart-like lumps called polyps are sometimes seen and can
be removed. Abnormal blood vessels that are bleeding can be
cauterised with a heated probe passed down the internal channels
of the gastroscope or colonoscope. This procedure is called
A.P.C. (Argon Plasma Coagulation). Taking biopsies and A.P.C.
are painless. |
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| Is
gastroscopy and colonoscopy safe? |
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| Complications of gastroscopy are very rare. Major
complications occur once in every 7000 procedures. If you have blood
vessels cauterised by A.P.C. it is normal to experience some pain
afterwards because the heat that cauterises the blood vessels can
also traumatise surrounding stomach tissue. This can last for up to
a week but can be managed by taking paracetomol. You may also
experience a sore throat for a day or two. Please note that if you
have a crown or bridging work on your teeth, these may be at risk
during the procedure. This can be avoided by not biting the
mouthguard or grinding your teeth during the procedure.
Complications of colonoscopy are uncommon. Most surveys report
complications in 1 in 1000 examinations or less. Perforation
(making a hole in the bowel) or major bleeding from the bowel is
extremely rare but if it occurs, may require an operation. When
polyps are removed there is a slightly higher risk of
perforation or bleeding. In the unlikely event of haemorrhage
occurring, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
If you wish to discuss full details of rare complications with
the doctor, please indicate this to your nurse before the
procedure. |
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| Will I be
asleep? |
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| You will not be asleep during gastroscopy and
colonoscopy and you will be aware of what is happening to you. You
will receive pain relieving medication and sedatives to relax you.
These medications may cause you to forget what has happened.
After the procedure you will need to rest for 30-60 minutes,
depending on how long it takes you to return to normal after the
medications.
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Going home after sedation
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After you have received sedation you should not drive, operate
machinery, take public transport unaccompanied, drink alcohol or
return to work until the following day. If you do not have transport
arranged you will be able to have the procedure without sedation.
Alternatively, another appointment will be made for you, which may
come several weeks later.
If your transport arrangements are not as expected after you
have received sedation, you will be sent home through "Dial a
Driver" at your own cost. A Dial a Driver service is available
for people who wish to drive to their car to the appointment,
and be driven home in it. Please arrange this directly on 09 303
0306 at least one day before your appointment.
After colonoscopy you can arrange to be collected from the
department approximately two hours after your appointment time,
asking your driver to be flexible in case of delays.
Alternatively, your nurse can phone your driver when you are
ready. Another useful strategy is to ask your driver to phone
the department to check if you are ready, before leaving to
collect you. The contact phone number for such enquiries is 09
630 9943 xtn 26114.
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How do I prepare?
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| Click here for Preparation instructions.
Morning
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Afternoon
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When will I know the results?
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A report detailing your results will be given to you before you
leave and a copy will be sent to your Hospital Specialist and
GP. The doctor will discuss any serious findings with you before
you leave the department.
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Gastroscopy + Colonoscopy
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Prior to your procedure nurse would like to have a 10 minute phone
conversation with you to assess your health / special needs.
This is a good opportunity to discuss any concerns.
Diabetics, or people using blood-thinning medication (warfarin,
aspirin) should
phone six days before their procedure for instructions
about taking medication. Telephone 09 630 9943 and enter 26114#
when you are asked to key in the extension number. Nurses are
available Mon-Fri, 0800 -1600 hours.
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Ministry of Health
