After your Gastroscopy (with Sedation)

What to Expect

You’ve had a gastroscopy (a camera test to look inside your stomach).
It’s very unlikely that you will have any serious side effects.
You might have:

• A sore throat for a short time

• A small amount of blood when coughing or blowing your nose

If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, increasing stomach pain, or heavy bleeding, contact your GP or the Endoscopy Unit straight away.

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Going Home

You can go home once a nurse has checked that you are ready.
The nurse will talk to you about:

• Any results or next steps

• How to look after yourself at home

Please rest for the rest of the day.
You can return to work after 24 hours.
If you can drink fluids comfortably, you can eat and drink as normal.

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Important – Because You Had Sedation

Sedation makes you feel sleepy and slows your reactions.
For 24 hours after sedation, you must not:

• Drive a car or use public transport alone

• Drink alcohol

• Operate any machinery

• Sign legal documents or make important decisions

• Take sleeping tablets that night

• Smoke for at least four hours

• Use the oven or kettle without help

Make sure someone stays with you for 24 hours after your procedure.

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When to Get Help

If you feel unwell or are worried, contact the Endoscopy Unit where you had your test (8:00 am – 6:30 pm):

• Doncaster Royal Infirmary: 01302 644170 / 01302 644171

• Bassetlaw Hospital: 01909 572017

• Montagu Hospital: 01709 649276

If you need urgent advice outside these hours, contact Accident and Emergency:

• Doncaster Royal Infirmary: 01302 642339

• Bassetlaw Hospital: 01909 572050

You can also contact your GP for advice.

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Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, you can contact PALS.
They are based in the Main Foyer (Gate 4) of Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Telephone: 01302 642764 or 0800 028 8059
Email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net

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