Once you've been referred for a gastroscopy, you’ll get a letter in the post or by email, telling you when the gastroscopy will happen.

Some hospitals will phone you to book your appointment , but you should also get a letter. Call the hospital if you do not get one.

Your letter will tell you:

• when you should stop eating and drinking before the test
• about some of the medicines you may be offered before having the test
• how long you may have to wait for your results

Important

If you're pregnant, or taking any medicines, let the hospital know. If you have a pre-operative assessment by phone or in person, you can tell the staff then.

If you do not have an assessment, contact the hospital to tell them. Contact details should be provided in your letter or email.

On the day of the gastroscopy, you’ll need to stop eating at least 6 hours before the test.

You may be able to have small sips of water. Your letter will give you more details about eating and drinking on the day.

You’ll be offered medicine called sedation to relax you just before a gastroscopy begins. If you choose to have sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to collect you after the gastroscopy and take you home.

The medicine can stay in the body for around 24 hours, which makes certain activities unsafe, such as driving. You will need to arrange for someone to stay with you during this time.

You might also need to take the next day off work, depending on the type of work you do.