Gastroscopy Consent 📹
🔍 Procedure
- Gastroscopy (or Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy, OGD) – visual inspection of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
💡 Indications
- Dyspepsia or upper GI pain
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Suspected GI bleeding (e.g. melaena)
- Surveillance in Barrett’s oesophagus or gastric ulcers
- Biopsy for coeliac disease or malignancy
📌 Preparation
- Do not eat for 6 hours before the procedure. Clear fluids are allowed up to 2 hours beforehand.
- Remove dentures, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and jewellery before the procedure.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies (especially to sedatives or anaesthetics), medications, or pregnancy.
- Bring a responsible adult to escort you home if sedation is used.
🧾 Procedure Walkthrough
- Performed under local anaesthetic throat spray or sedation.
- A flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to the stomach and duodenum.
- Air is introduced to expand the stomach for visibility; biopsies may be taken.
- Procedure lasts ~5–10 minutes. You are monitored throughout and after.
⚠️ Risks & Complications
- Common: sore throat, bloating, mild discomfort.
- Less common: bleeding (especially if biopsies are taken), reaction to sedatives.
- Rare: aspiration (fluid entering lungs), perforation of the GI tract.
- Very rare: life-threatening complications including those requiring surgery or intensive care.
- There is also a small risk of missed pathology despite a normal test.
- Emergency treatments (e.g., surgery, transfusion) may be required if complications arise.
- You may withdraw consent at any time before the procedure.
💬 Common Patient Questions
- Will it hurt? — Some discomfort is normal; sedation or throat spray helps.
- Will I be asleep? — You may be drowsy, but not fully asleep unless under general anaesthetic.
- Can I eat or drink after? — You should wait at least 30–60 minutes after throat spray; longer if sedated.
- When will I get results? — Often immediate for visual findings; biopsies take a few days.
✅ Benefits
- Direct visualisation of upper GI tract
- Ability to take targeted biopsies
- Diagnosis and sometimes treatment in one procedure
🔄 Alternatives
- Empirical treatment for dyspepsia (if low risk)
- Barium swallow (less sensitive)
- No investigation – may risk missing serious pathology
🧠 Special Considerations
- Interpreter support is available if required.
- Trainees may be involved under supervision.
- Separate consent is required for photo/video recording.
- You must have someone escort you if sedated – no driving or making important decisions for 24 hours.
🗣️ Example Consent Script
- "We are recommending a gastroscopy to assess your upper digestive tract for conditions such as ulcers, inflammation, or bleeding."
- "You’ll receive throat spray or sedation, and we’ll pass a flexible camera through your mouth. We may take biopsies if needed."
- "Risks include a sore throat, bleeding, and very rarely a tear or reaction to sedation. You can withdraw your consent at any time."
- "Do you have any questions before we begin?"