Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is a test that looks at the inside of your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and the first part of your small intestine (small bowel).

Preparing for your gastroscopy

You usually have written information from the endoscopy staff explaining how to prepare for your gastroscopy. It’s important that you read and follow the instructions. There is usually a number to call if you have any questions.

You might have blood tests beforehand to check your blood levels and how well your blood clots.

Tell your doctor if you're taking medicines that changes how your blood clots. This includes:

• warfarin or heparin

• aspirin

• clopidogrel

• apixaban or rivaroxaban

• ticagrelor

Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop taking these or any other medicines for a while before your gastroscopy. For example, you might need to stop taking some of your usual indigestion medicines before the test. 

You can't eat for 6 hours before the test, but you might be able to drink sips of water up to 2 hours beforehand. The instructions may be different depending on the hospital where you have your gastroscopy. You will have written information about this before your appointment.

Talk to your doctor if not eating could be a problem for you. For example, if you have diabetes.

After your gastroscopy

Your nurse or endoscopist will talk to you about how the test went. They will tell you if they took any biopsies and when to expect the results.

You might have some bloating and discomfort after the gastroscopy. This usually lasts for a few hours. 

If you haven’t had sedation, you can usually go home shortly after having the test. You won't be able to eat or drink until the local anaesthetic spray has worn off. This takes about an hour.

If you had sedation, you stay in the endoscopy department for an hour or two to recover. Your nurse removes the cannula before you leave.

You may not remember much (if anything) about the test. You need a friend or relative to take you home and stay overnight. For 24 hours after having sedation, you shouldn't:

• drive

• drink alcohol

• operate heavy machinery

• sign any important documents

Getting your results

You might get some results before you go home. It takes a little longer for your biopsy results. You should get your biopsy results within 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take longer. The specialist doctor at the hospital might give you your results. Or you might see your GP.

Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.

Waiting for test results can be a very worrying time. You might have contact details for a specialist nurse. You can get in touch with them for information and support if you need to. It may help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.

More information

We have more information on tests, treatment and support if you have been diagnosed with cancer.

Find information on your cancer type