FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A gastroscopy requires a period of fasting prior to the procedure so that you have an empty stomach. The specific fasting requirements will be provided to you before your procedure.

A colonoscopy requires additional preparation, including a modified diet for a few days before your procedure, and then taking a potent laxative agent (called ‘bowel prep’) the day prior to/morning of your colonoscopy. The specific details of this preparation will be provided to you before your procedure.

You will be contacted by Glengarry Hospital the day prior to your procedure to inform you of your admission time. On arrival to the hospital, you will be admitted to the Day Unit, and initial checks will be performed by the hospital nursing staff.
Before your procedure, both your gastroenterologist and anaesthetist will talk with you about the procedure, and will ask you to sign a consent form after you have had a chance to ask any questions you might have.
After the procedure, you will be allowed to fully wake up from your sedation, and will then be provided something to eat and drink. Your gastroenterologist will discuss your results with you, including any follow-up recommendations. You will then be discharged home into the care of another adult for the next 24 hours.

After receiving sedation for a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, you should not operate a motor vehicle, sign legal documents, or perform any strenuous tasks. You should remain in the company of a competent adult for the next 24 hours. In certain cases, travelling far from Perth for the next 7 days is not recommended – for instance, if a large colonic polyp was removed. This will be discussed with you after your procedure if relevant.