Is a gastrointestinal endoscopy dangerous?

An endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Rare complications include: Bleeding. Your risk of bleeding complications after an endoscopy is increased if the procedure involves removing a piece of tissue for testing (biopsy) or treating a digestive system problem.

What is the most serious complication of gastric endoscopy?

During a gastroscopy, there’s a very small risk of the endoscope tearing the lining of your oesophagus, stomach or the first section of your small intestine (duodenum). This is known as perforation. Signs of perforation can include: neck, chest or stomach pain.

What are the chances of dying from an endoscopy?

Infection is extremely uncommon with diagnostic EGD (1-5 per 10 million); perforation (tear) risk is 3 per 10,000; and risk of death is 1 per 100,000 (to give a perspective, the risk of being randomly shot at is 6 in 100,000). Bleeding risk from diagnostic EGD is extremely rare.

Should I be worried about endoscopy?

Complications from upper endoscopy are very low. However, while it’s considered a safe procedure, there are a couple of risks that you should be aware of. These risks include: Breathing or heart problems due to the sedative.

Can you get sepsis from endoscopy?

The risk of sepsis increases with more invasive procedures and is greatest after therapeutic ERCP, particularly when adequate biliary drainage is not achieved.

Why are people scared of endoscopy?

Patients who consent for endoscopy are usually anxious and concerned [6]. Such anxiety can be caused by lack of information about the diagnostic procedure or worry about pain during endoscopy [7]. In fact, endoscopy can cause anxiety which can eventually result in patients avoiding endoscopy [6].

Can you vomit during an endoscopy?

Preparing for the procedure If you vomit, there is a small risk that the vomit could enter your lungs. (This is called aspiration.) If the test is done in an emergency, a tube may be inserted through your nose or mouth to empty your stomach. Do not take sucralfate (Carafate) or antacids on the day of the test.