Discharge advice following therapeutic gastroscopy including banding of varices/endoscopic dilatation
This page gives you information on care following your therapeutic gastroscopy including banding of varices/endoscopic dilatation.
Sedation
The medications used for sedation can remain in the body for at least 24 hours, gradually wearing off.
It is therefore very important that a capable adult is available to take you home and stay with you for the next 24 hours.
It is also important that for the next 24 hours you follow the advice below:
- You should not drive or ride a bicycle as your reflexes and judgement will be impaired.
- Sedation can make you unsteady on your feet. Please be careful on stairs and have someone with you if you feel unsteady.
- Your judgement may be affected so do not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents.
- Be careful if using social media.
- You should not return to work, look after dependents, cook or operate machinery.
- You should not drink any alcohol or take sleeping tablets.
When can you eat and drink?
Your discharging nurse will let you know when you can start to drink and eat.
- For the next 24 hours you should remain on a liquid diet such as soup and soft breakfast cereals. Drinks should not be either too hot or too cold during this period.
- Following the point above you should now continue with a soft diet for a further 24 hours. If you are able to tolerate this then you can go on to your normal diet.
- Avoid spicy foods until you have proceeded to a normal diet.
Medication
You can take your usual prescribed medications when they are next due unless otherwise stated by the Endoscopist or discharging nurse. For blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) separate advice will be given.
After effects
You may experience the following:
- A bloated, windy feeling – moving around may help to relieve this.
- A sore throat for a short time after the procedure. This is normal and should pass within 2 days.
- Discomfort behind the breastbone but this should settle within 24 to 48 hours. Simple pain relief such as paracetamol will help.
What happens next?
- A report will be sent to your GP.
- The results of the test and any specimens taken are sent directly to your GP. This can take up to 5 weeks.
- If a consultant follow up is needed you will receive an appointment letter in the post.
- If a repeat procedure is needed your medical notes will be reviewed by an Endoscopist before you are due to attend. This is because the criteria for repeating procedures may change or be altered as National Guidelines are reviewed and updated. If it is felt that your procedure is no longer required, we will send you a letter in the post.
A member of the nursing team will have explained to you what has been done today and any further tests that you may need.
When to seek advice
Serious side effects are rare. However, if any of the following occur within 48 hours after your gastroscopy please contact the Endoscopy Unit where you had your procedure.
- Severe pain in the neck, chest or abdomen
- Vomiting blood or bowel motion turns black
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- High temperature (fever) or you feel generally unwell
- Disorientation (feeling lost or confused)
If you have been given Buscopan® to relax your stomach during the procedure, please seek urgent medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Painful red eye with loss of vision
- Blurred, misty or foggy vision
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Unable to pass urine
If you have any concerns please contact one of the following for advice:
- Endoscopy Unit where you were seen
- Your GP
- NHS 111
If you think you require immediate medical attention, please phone 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department.
Contact information
Endoscopy Units
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8222
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel:0300 422 3370
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Between 6:00pm and 8:00am you should contact the:
Gloucestershire Hospitals Switchboard
Tel: 0300 422 2222
When prompted please ask for the operator. Ask the operator to contact the Site Management Team. The operator will then contact a senior nurse to advise you.
Feedback
To help the Endoscopy Department understand what is important to you and how we can improve our service, we would appreciate if you would take the time to complete a feedback survey.
All responses will be anonymous and any information provided will be used sensitively and stored securely.
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