Gastric Endoscopy: Common Patient Concerns

When I was scheduled for a gastric endoscopy, I panicked. I was truly terrified of having a tube shoved down my throat. I had so many questions and concerns going into the procedure about things one may not feel comfortable asking the doctor or nurses. As it turned out, there was nothing to worry about.

Gastric Endoscopy Concern #1: Gagging and Vomiting

Yes, you will gag. You will probably gag hard and several times. It may take the doctor several attempts to get the endoscope past your gag reflex. But once the endoscope is past your gag reflex, you will stop gagging.

Also, you will be under orders not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your gastric endoscopy, so vomiting won't be an issue during the procedure.

The important thing to remember is to relax. Try to give the doctor a couple good swallows as he is inserting the endoscope and it will be over in no time.

Gastric Endoscopy Concern #2: Pain

Even if you are unfortunate like I was and don't receive the proper medications, a gastric endoscopy does not hurt. I felt every little slide of the scope, every pinch of the biopsies. While it is uncomfortable, it did not hurt, and frankly, I'm a wuss when it comes to pain.

Gastric Endoscopy Concern #3: Belching

You will belch, and belch loudly, during the procedure. The doctor pumps air into your belly during the gastric endoscopy. I learned during the procedure they use squirts of air to clean off the camera lens, and they also push air into your stomach to inflate things, making it easier for them to see what's going on.

Because of this, you will end up belching during your gastric endoscopy. Don't worry or panic though. It happens to everyone, and the doctor and nurses have heard it before.

Gastric Endoscopy Concern #4: Breathing

A gastric endoscopy will not affect your ability to breathe. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to breathe during my gastric endoscopy, but the endoscope really didn't hamper my breathing.

There were times when phlegm blocked my air passages, which caused me momentary concern, but if you take another deep breath, your airway will clear and you will be able to breathe easily again.

Gastric Endoscopy Concern #5: Bloating after the procedure

After the gastric endoscopy, you will be very gassy. Again, due to the air pumped into your belly, you will end up belching and farting the rest of the day. You will probably experience a bit of discomfort due to bloating, but over-the-counter medications (or just time) can help.

For more information about what to expect during a gastric endoscopy, click here.