Risks to Gastroscopy

This is a rare complication following upper endoscopy and biopsy. There is a slightly higher risk of this occurring if you require oesophageal dilation or polypectomy.

Damage to the oesophagus and stomach very rarely occurs with a routine endoscopy (1:50,000 normal upper endoscopies). There is a rare higher risk if there is a narrowing of the oesophagus. The risk of perforation with a tight stricture is approximately 1:500. This life threatening complication will require a prolonged hospital stay and usually an operation.

The following symptoms may be present following anaesthetic:

• Pain in the arm at the injection site
• Bruising or infection where the cannula is inserted
• Nausea and vomiting
• Altered heart rate
• Dizziness or fainting
• Allergic reaction
• Aspiration of vomit from the stomach into the lungs
• Heart attack
• Stroke and death (extremely rare)

Injury to lips, mouth, teeth or dental work rarely can occur.