Advice following a gastroscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy

Please note, this page is printable by selecting the normal print options on your computer.

You may feel a little uncomfortable with the air or carbon dioxide we have passed into your bowel. This should pass quite easily during the next few hours. You may eat and drink and return to your normal activities. You may experience a little bleeding if you have had biopsies or a polyp taken away. This is not unusual. However, if you experience pain that is severe and persistent, or you are passing significant amount of blood or clots or have any severe pain in your neck, chest or abdomen; you must then seek urgent advice from the Endoscopy Department between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday (01908 996460) or go to A&E.

If you need to speak to someone outside of these hours you can contact the Gastroenterology Ward (Ward 8) on 01908 996395.

Follow-up information (Nurse to tick box)
o Please continue with your current medication unless advised otherwise.
o Your G.P. will be sent a copy of the Doctors’ report.
o If biopsies were taken, a report will be sent to your GP in 6-8 weeks.

Please contact them or the name consultant for results (not the Endoscopy Dept).

o Follow up via GP if required
o A follow-up clinic appointment will be sent to you in the post.
o An appointment will be sent to you in the post for a repeat procedure.
o You will be sent an appointment for a CT/ MRI scan / x-ray (circle relevant option).

If you have any further questions related to your condition, you should contact your GP or referring/ named consultant.

Signature of discharge nurse…………………………………….
Print Name…………………………………….
Date ……………………. Time …………………….