A gastroscopy, commonly known as an upper endoscopy, is a medical procedure used to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The technique involves a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, equipped with a camera, to diagnose conditions like inflammation, ulcers, or sources of bleeding. While the actual time the scope is inside the patient is quite short, the overall time commitment is extended by preparation and recovery phases.
Preparing for the Gastroscopy
Preparation ensures patient safety and comfort before the endoscope is inserted. Upon arrival, patients register, sign consent forms, and change into a gown. A nurse reviews the patient’s health history and current medications.
A medical professional places an intravenous (IV) line, often in the hand or arm, to administer sedative medication. The throat may also be numbed with a local anesthetic spray to suppress the gag reflex. These pre-procedure steps, which include checking vital signs, usually require approximately 30 to 60 minutes before the patient is ready for the procedure room.
Duration of the Procedure Itself
The gastroscopy procedure itself often lasts only between 5 and 15 minutes from the moment the endoscope enters the mouth. During this time, the physician navigates the scope through the upper GI tract, viewing the live video feed to look for abnormalities like erosions, inflammation, or structural changes.
The procedure may take longer if the physician performs therapeutic or diagnostic interventions. Taking tissue samples (biopsies) or removing small growths can extend the time by a few minutes. Minor treatments, such as cauterizing a bleeding vessel or dilating a narrowed section of the esophagus, also contribute to extending the procedure duration.
Immediate Post-Procedure Recovery
Recovery is generally the longest period of the patient’s visit. This time allows the sedative medication to wear off, ensuring the patient is stable and alert before discharge. Patients are moved to a dedicated recovery area where nurses continuously monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
This monitoring period lasts between 30 minutes and one hour, but it can extend up to two hours depending on the sedation used. Patients should expect to feel groggy, disoriented, or drowsy as they wake up. A mild sore throat or slight chest discomfort from air introduced during the examination is a common sensation that resolves quickly.
Total Time Spent at the Facility
The total time a patient should expect to spend at the facility ranges from two to four hours. For routine cases, the total time often falls between two and three hours. This duration accounts for the entire patient flow, from check-in to final sign-out by the nursing staff.
Sedation necessitates strict requirements for patient discharge. Because the sedative impairs reflexes and judgment, patients are prohibited from driving, operating machinery, or signing legal documents for the rest of the day. It is mandatory for patients to arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home from the facility.