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Gastroscopy Preparation

A Gastroscopy test should be performed on an empty stomach for maximum safety.

You must fast for eight hours before the Gastroscopy procedure to ensure your stomach is empty. Clear liquids (water, black coffee) can be consumed up to two hours before the procedure. If you must take any prescription medicine, you may do so with a sip of water for up to two hours. Please inform the physician if you have experienced any allergic or adverse drug reactions or if you are using blood thinners, are pregnant or nursing. If you have a cold or serious respiratory infection, kindly contact our physicians.


Our experts at the Gastroscopy Clinic in Toronto will help you with any related queries.

gastroscopy preparation

What is a Gastroscopy?

A gastroscopy is a test to examine the upper section of your digestive system, which includes your throat, food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and duodenum.

Why is a Gastroscopy performed?

  • For assessing upper stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or problems swallowing.
  • To find oesophageal, stomach, and duodenal tumours, ulcers, and inflammation.
  • To identify and address the source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Collecting a tissue sample for a biopsy is frequently done to check for celiac disease and Helicobacter pylori.
  • For addressing gastrointestinal tract problems.
  • Detect atypical anemia.

Preparation for Gastroscopy: The Best Practices

  • You should consume nothing after midnight. However, you can drink clear liquids up to two hours before the procedure.
  • Make sure you have a ride home. After the sedation, you should not drive or operate any machinery for the rest of the day.
  • If you have any queries for preparation for Gastroscopy, kindly contact our clinic. You might be requested to change the dosage of your prescriptions (such as insulin or other diabetic drugs).
  • If you use any blood thinners, contact your physician or our clinic to be advised when to stop taking blood thinners prior to your Gastroscopy procedure.
  • Before taking you into the procedure room, where your Gastroscopy will be performed, you must fill out your gastroscopy consent form.

What happens during a gastroscopy?

  • Usually, Gastroscopy last between 20-30 minutes.
  • You will be sedated by an anesthesiologist prior to the procedure.
  • A plastic mouth guard will protect your teeth.
  • During the process, a mini-monitor will be fastened to you so our physicians can monitor your blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate. Your safety is our priority!
  • A doctor will use your mouth to insert a flexible tube with a camera on end, passing through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
  • To make a diagnosis, the doctor will take biopsies and send them for histologic examination.

What happens after a gastroscopy?

  • Our registered nurse will care for you in the recovery room until you are fully awake and ready to go home.
  • Our doctor will send your primary care physician a copy of the report and the biopsy findings.

Why Choose Canadian Place Endoscopy for Gastroscopy Treatment?

  • We value every one of our patients, and we work hard to give them excellent care.
  • Our doctors have over 20 years of experience in this field and will take all needed biopsies to ensure the right diagnosis and treatment.
  • At Canadian Place Endoscopy, we minimize the waiting. Your health is our priority. We strive to book our patients within 2 weeks.
  • Our medical team goes through all the findings with you immediately after the procedure and provides you with copies in case your primary care physician needs them.

FAQ – DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Eat a light dinner the night before your procedure; you may take soft food like mashed potatoes, Jello, etc. You should not consume anything red in colour. On the exam day, stop eating anything solid eight hours before the test.

Due to the sedation, you cannot drive for 24 hours. After the treatment, you will need to arrange a ride home.