Instructions for Your Gastroscopy

Please read the following document in its entirety as it provides you with important information regarding your upcoming procedure. Please follow all instructions exactly as written.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and bring a valid health card.

You MUST have someone with you upon discharge. You will not be allowed to take public transportation, drive yourself, take a taxi or an UBER, or walk unaccompanied from this appointment. If you do not have someone with you, there is a chance you will not receive sedation and the appointment will be rescheduled.

Please avoid taking COUMADIN (Warfarin) for 5 days prior to your procedure. Stop taking XARELTO, PRADAXA, ELIQUIS or LIXIANA for 2 days prior to your procedure. If you are taking ASPIRIN or PLAVIX, you can continue taking them without issue.

You may resume taking your medication after your test is done. This may be delayed if polyps are removed, or biopsies are taken. Your doctor will guide you accordingly.

Please stop taking your Ozempic 7 days prior to your procedure. Once the procedure is complete, you can resume taking it as directed.

DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD after midnight the night before the procedure.

• Do NOT eat any food prior to your appointment.
• You may have a glass of water up to 2 hours prior to your appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 9:00 AM, you may drink water up until 7:00 AM.
• Take your regular medications in the morning of your appointment up until 2 hours before your appointment (except for diabetes medications and blood thinners).
• A bag will be provided for you to place any valuables in, and will stay with you during the length of your stay.

The attending physician and/or specialist will consult with you prior to the procedure and determine the best method of sedation for your endoscopy examination. The procedure is not painful, however you may experience a gagging sensation during the insertion of the scope, which may cause slight discomfort. A numbing medication may be sprayed to help diminish the gag reflex.

• Following the procedure, you may feel drowsy and will be required to stay in our recovery area for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Once you have been discharged, you may resume your regular diet.
• You MUST have someone with you upon discharge. You will not be allowed to take public transportation, drive yourself, take a taxi or an UBER, or walk unaccompanied from this appointment. If you do not have someone with you, there is a chance you will not receive sedation and the appointment will be rescheduled.
• You should avoid alcohol and sedatives for 12 hours following this procedure. You are not allowed to drive for 12 hours following this procedure.

While a gastroscopy is considered an effective diagnostic procedure, there are always some risks associated with invasive tests. Please contact us or talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

If for any reason you may need to reschedule your appointment, please let us know 14 full calendar days prior so the appointment may be offered to someone else with adequate time to prepare.

A cancellation / no show fee of $395 will apply if less than 7 days’ notice of cancellation is provided.

It is necessary that you do not eat anything after midnight a day before your procedure. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of your appointment and a charge of $395. 

We look forward to seeing you at Medcan. If you have any questions related to this appointment, please email us at LiveWellClientCareExternal@medcan.com