Discharge advice following a Gastroscopy and Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) or Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) with sedation
This leaflet gives you information on care following your gastroscopy and Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) or Endoscopic mucosal Resection (EMR).
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 dependants, cook or operate machinery.
- You should not drink any alcohol or take sleeping tablets.
When can I eat and drink?
Your discharging nurse will tell you what time 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.
- For the next 24 hours drinks should not be either too hot or too cold.
- After 24 hours and for the next week – stay on a diet of soft, sloppy foods.
- 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 you have been told otherwise by the Endoscopist or discharging nurse. For anticoagulants (blood thinning medications) separate advice should 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.
What happens next?
- A report will be sent to your GP in the next few days.
- The results of the test and any samples 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 inform you by letter.
A member of the nursing team will have explained to you what has been done today and any further tests that you may need.
Please contact your GP or consultant directly for your test results as these are not disclosed to Endoscopy.
When to seek advice
If you have any of the symptoms listed below and they are not relieved by simple pain relief such as paracetamol please contact the Endoscopy Unit for advice.
- Severe pain in the neck, chest or abdomen.
- Repeated vomiting, bleeding or passing black tarry stools.
- Abdominal distension (expansion of the abdominal region).
- 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 advice if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in both eyes/painful red eyes
- Blurred, misty or foggy vision or haloes around lights
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Unable to pass urine.
Contact information
If you have any concerns, please contact the Endoscopy Unit where you were seen or your GP.
Endoscopy Unit
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8222
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 3593
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Cirencester Hospital
Tel: 0300 421 6294
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
Stroud Hospital
Tel: 0300 421 8073
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Out of hours, please contact NHS 111 for advice:
Tel: 111
If you think you require immediate medical attention, please phone 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department.
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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