Following your Gastroscopy-What happens next?

Following Your Gastroscopy: What Happens Next?

Patient Information

Endoscopy - Upper Gastrointestinal (GI)

• Author ID:      LM
• Leaflet ref:      End 024
• Version:         2
• Leaflet title:    Following Your Gastroscopy: What Happens Next?
• Last review:    April 2024
• Expiry Date:   April 2026

Introduction 

You have been given this leaflet because your recent gastroscopy (camera test) has identified an abnormal area. As it has been explained to you, biopsies (samples) of the suspicious area have been taken and will be sent to the laboratory to be examined, where they are looking for changes to cells. If you have not already had a CT scan, you will be required to have one. This gives a 3D picture of the inside of your body using x-rays. This will usually take place at any of the trust sites. 

Please note, you will not be given any conclusive results at the time of your gastroscopy or CT scan. 

What happens next? 

We realise that waiting for test results can be a very worrying time. The waiting period might feel very long, and the future may feel very uncertain. You may find it helpful to talk with your partner, family, or a close friend. 

To further support you at this uncertain time, you will be referred to the Upper GI (Upper gastrointestinal) Specialist nursing team who will contact you following your investigations. They are available to offer you specialist advice, information and support.

It is likely that you will be invited to attend a nurse led assessment clinic, where you will meet the Upper GI nursing team and asked some general questions relating to your health. You may also meet with the specialist dietitian who can offer you advice and information to help with sustaining your nutrition during this period of investigation. 

Sometimes, further investigations are ordered to prevent delays in confirming a diagnosis, such as an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) or a PET-CT scan. You may be informed at the assessment clinic, if any additional tests are going to be arranged.

Please note, you will not be given any results at the assessment clinic appointment. 

When the results of the tests are ready, they will be reviewed at the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) weekly meeting (which you will not need to attend). 

You will be informed of the results and the next steps at the earliest opportunity. This is usually a face-to-face appointment in the outpatient’s department with the Macmillan Upper GI nursing team. Although, if you prefer, we can arrange for you to be seen by one of the consultant gastroenterologists.

How long will it take for results to be ready? 

We aim to work as quickly as possible (usually within 2 weeks) to get the results of your investigations back to you. The Macmillan Upper GI nursing team will closely monitor the dates and the reporting of your investigations. 

If you are worried about the time, it is taking for you to receive your results, you may find it helpful to speak to a member of the Macmillan Upper GI nursing team. They can be contacted on the following phone number 01942 773459. 

What do I do whilst I am waiting for results? 

Please keep the Upper GI Team updated regarding any changes to your condition, for example, finding it harder to swallow, vomiting or pain.

Outside of the Upper GI Team working hours, if you require medical advice, speak with your GP, or contact the NHS 111 service when it’s less urgent than 999. 

Please only attend the Emergency Department in an emergency. 

Additional Support 

• Cancer Research UK nurses are available for information and support on freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

• You can also talk things over with The Macmillan Cancer Support Specialists,             telephone 0808 808 00 00. 

          www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnosis/waiting-for-results

The Upper GI specialist nursing team can also provide support, and are available,             telephone 01942 773459. Monday to Friday 7:30am until 4pm.