Gastroscopy: how it goes and whether it hurts
· 4 min read
People fear a gastroscopy because of the gag reflex, not the pain. We walk through the case of a woman who put the procedure off for two years, and explain what is done so the reflex does not kick in
How this usually goes
Dinara is 34 and works as a shop assistant. She was given a referral for a gastroscopy two years ago, and it sat in the cupboard the whole time. Not because of money, not because of a queue. Because of one line from a friend: «I almost choked, you cannot swallow that tube»
Over those two years Dinara changed her heartburn pills three times and once spent days at home in pain, yet still did not go. She was not planning to book — she only asked whether there was something to make her feel nothing
She was told exactly what everyone is told: the throat is treated with a local anaesthetic, the reflex dulls, the examination itself takes about twenty minutes, and the scope is thin and flexible. Dinara came in the morning on an empty stomach and brought a towel. In the room she asked when they would start — they had almost finished
She now comes for a gastroscopy for the third time, on schedule, and books it herself. The two years of waiting turned out to be worse than the procedure
What people come with
The questions are almost always the same, and almost word for word: «do I have to swallow a tube?», «is there some medicine so I feel nothing?», «does it take long?». People also ask whether a gastroscopy is really necessary when the stomach only bothers them mildly
If this is you
- Do I have to swallow a tube?
- Can I take something so I do not feel it?
- Does the scope have to reach the stomach?
How it goes
The throat is treated with a local anaesthetic — the reflex dulls and the scope passes more easily. The examination takes about 20 minutes; the endoscopist looks at the oesophagus, the stomach and the duodenum and writes the report straight away. If needed, a Helicobacter pylori test or a biopsy is taken in the same session, so there is no second visit
How to prepare
Strictly on an empty stomach: the last meal is the evening before, and a few sips of water are fine in the morning. Bring a small towel. Do not plan anything for straight afterwards: the throat stays numb for about 40 minutes after the anaesthetic, and you cannot eat or drink during that time. If you take medication regularly, say so in advance
What people ask most
Will it hurt?
It will not hurt. Unpleasant — yes, at the moment the scope passes through the throat. The local anaesthetic noticeably softens that moment
How long does it take?
The examination itself takes about 20 minutes. With preparation, the report and waiting, allow about an hour
Can I have the gastroscopy and see the gastroenterologist the same day?
Yes, that is the usual format: the endoscopist does the procedure and the gastroenterologist goes through the report straight away and prescribes treatment. It is better to come in the morning on an empty stomach
