When can I eat after a gastroscopy?

When to Eat After Gastroscopy

You can safely begin drinking water within hours after a gastroscopy, and if tolerated well, you can resume a normal diet the same day. 1

Post-Gastroscopy Eating Protocol

Immediate Post-Procedure Period

1. After returning from the procedure, rest for up to 2 hours while lying on your side 1
2. Start with small sips of water when you feel ready (typically within hours of the procedure) 1
3. If you can swallow water without pain or coughing, proceed to drinking larger amounts of fluids 1
4. If water is tolerated well, you may return to your normal diet the same day 1

Warning Signs

• Any pain or distress when attempting to drink should be reported immediately to medical staff 1
• Do not attempt to eat or drink more if you experience:
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Coughing when attempting to drink
  • Chest or abdominal discomfort
  • Nausea or vomiting

Important Post-Procedure Considerations

Common Side Effects

• A sore throat is normal and typically resolves within 24-48 hours 1
• Some patients may experience incomplete recovery in the first 24 hours, particularly with nociceptive (pain) and cognitive function 2

Activity Restrictions

• Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after the procedure 1
• Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours 1
• Rest for the remainder of the day of the procedure 1

Special Considerations

For Patients with Specific Conditions

• If you had a biopsy taken during the gastroscopy, the same eating protocol applies unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor
• Patients who have undergone distal gastrectomy may need special preparation before future endoscopies, but standard post-gastroscopy eating guidelines still apply 3

For Patients with Persistent Symptoms

• Severe pain in the neck, chest, or abdomen should be reported to your doctor immediately 1
• If you cannot tolerate fluids within several hours, contact your healthcare provider

Evidence Quality

The recommendations are based on established clinical practice guidelines for post-endoscopy care. While there are extensive studies on pre-procedure fasting 1, 4, the evidence specifically addressing post-gastroscopy feeding is more limited but consistent. The most recent and highest quality evidence supports early resumption of oral intake following endoscopic procedures 1.

Early oral intake has been shown to be safe after various gastrointestinal procedures, including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement 5, 6, suggesting that the gastrointestinal tract can safely handle oral intake soon after endoscopic manipulation.

Remember that while most patients can eat normally within hours after a gastroscopy, always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team, as individual circumstances may vary.