Dr. Hugh Kendall, MD, CM, FRCSC (Gen. Surgery)

Preparation Instructions for Gastroscopy

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Preparing for a gastroscopy is easy. All that's necessary is that your stomach is completely empty at the time of your procedure.
MORNING OF YOUR PROCEDURE

NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK.

No fluids at all for 6 hours before your procedure. (example: if your gastroscopy arrival time is 1PM, you can drink clear fluids only, up until 7:00 AM. If your procedure arrival time is 10:00 AM, you must have nothing at all after 4:00 AM)

Tiny sips of water with your medications is OK.

NO CANNABIS PRODUCTS (it affects sedation)

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The "most common mistake"?
Eating solid food for breakfast when you have an afternoon gastroscopy - thinking all you need to do is not have fluids 6 hours before.

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PIERCINGS:
All lip, tongue and nose piercings should be removed before undergoing any procedure where you are sedated. There is a small risk of the piercing coming dislodged or undone, and going in to your lungs.
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CANNABIS PRODUCTS:
Use of cannabis products will significantly increase your resistance to sedation (some studies quote by 200% or more). Please refrain from any cannabis products (CBD oils, edibles, vaporized, smoked) for 72 hours before your procedure.
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YOU WILL REQUIRE SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME. You must be accompanied from the premises by another adult. You may either be driven, or take a taxi with this other adult. If you do not have another adult to accompany you from the facility, your procedure may be cancelled.