What are the post-procedure care instructions for a patient after undergoing a gastroscopy?

Post-Gastroscopy Care Instructions

After a gastroscopy, patients should rest for up to 2 hours while lying on their side, begin with small sips of water when ready, and if tolerated well, may return to their normal diet the same day. Patients must not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure. 1

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

• First 2 hours:

  • Patient should remain lying on their side and be allowed to rest/sleep 2, 1
  • Monitor for any signs of distress or complications

• Initial oral intake:

  • Start with small sips of water when the patient is awake and alert 2, 1
  • If water is tolerated without pain or coughing, progress to larger amounts of fluids
  • Any pain, coughing, distress, or difficulty swallowing must be reported immediately to medical staff 1

• Diet progression:

  • If fluids are tolerated well, patient may return to normal diet the same day 2, 1
  • No special dietary restrictions are needed unless specifically indicated by the procedure findings

Important Restrictions (24 Hours)

• Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after the procedure 2, 1

  • Research shows that driving ability may be impaired for several hours after sedation, with complete restoration of driving abilities typically occurring by 4 hours post-procedure 3
  • However, the standard 24-hour restriction remains the safest recommendation to account for individual variation in recovery

• Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure 2, 1

• Must be accompanied home by a responsible adult if discharged within 24 hours of the procedure 2

Expected Side Effects

• Sore throat: Common and typically resolves within 24-48 hours 2, 1
• Mild fatigue: Rest is recommended for the remainder of the day 2, 1
• Cognitive effects: Some patients may experience temporary cognitive impairment, which typically resolves within 24 hours 4

Warning Signs to Report Immediately

• Severe pain in the neck, chest, or abdomen 2, 1
• Difficulty swallowing or inability to tolerate fluids 1
• Vomiting, especially with blood 5
• Fever or chills
• Black or bloody stools 5
• Shortness of breath

Follow-up Instructions

• Resume regular medications as directed by your healthcare provider
• Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments
• Contact your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions about your procedure results

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Premature driving: Despite feeling well, cognitive and motor skills may remain impaired for hours after sedation 3, 4
• Ignoring warning signs: Complications like perforation are rare but serious and require immediate medical attention 5
• Inadequate hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake once cleared to drink
• Returning to strenuous activities too soon: Rest for the remainder of the day of the procedure