Gastroscopy is performed after preliminary preparation. The patient is informed about the preparation rules in advance when the examination is scheduled.

1–2 Days Before the Procedure

1. If possible, it is recommended to avoid chocolate, nuts, seeds, and spicy foods for 48 hours before the examination. It is also advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages.

2. The last meal should be no later than 6:00 PM on the day before the examination. Dinner should be filling but easy to digest, without foods that are difficult to process.

3. On the day before the procedure, avoid foods high in fiber, fatty meals, salads with mayonnaise, whole-grain bread, fatty meat and fish, and hard cheeses. It is preferable to eat light meals such as green salad with a small amount of boiled chicken, steamed chicken cutlets, buckwheat porridge, and low-fat cottage cheese. Legumes and pearl barley should be excluded. Mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables such as broccoli are allowed as side dishes.

On the Day of the Examination

On the day of the gastroscopy, you must completely refrain from eating and drinking. A small amount of water is allowed no later than 2–4 hours before the procedure.

Patients who regularly take medications in tablets or capsules are advised to temporarily postpone taking them, as the presence of foreign substances in the stomach may affect the accuracy of the examination.

It is important to note that the gag reflex may intensify during gastroscopy. As a result, stomach contents may enter the respiratory tract or soil clothing. In addition, eating food or taking medications before the procedure increases the production of gastric juice, which is undesirable during an examination performed on an empty stomach. For the same reason, smoking before gastroscopy is not recommended.

Before the procedure begins, you must inform the doctor about any allergic reactions, especially to medications. To reduce discomfort, local anesthesia of the throat and the root of the tongue is performed using a spray, which decreases pain and suppresses the gag reflex. However, in rare cases, it may cause an allergic reaction.

Additional Information

It is recommended to bring the results of previous examinations, including gastroscopy reports, X-rays, laboratory tests, and other medical documents related to the diagnosis of the stomach and duodenum.

Preparation for Colonoscopy

Proper bowel preparation is a mandatory condition for an informative colonoscopy and for detecting even minor changes in the intestinal mucosa.

Examinations Before the Procedure with Sedation

Before the examination, the following tests are required:

• chest fluorography/X-ray (not older than 1 year);

• ECG;

• complete blood count;

• blood biochemistry (glucose, protein, creatinine, bilirubin, potassium, sodium);

• coagulogram / PTI — for patients over 50 years old.

The validity period of the tests is 10 days.

On the day before the examination, a consultation with the anesthesiologist is required from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please bring:

• referral form;

• test results;

• discharge summaries and examination reports.

On the day of the procedure, you must arrive with an accompanying person.

Driving after sedation is prohibited.

Diet Before Colonoscopy

A low-residue diet is recommended for 2 days before the examination.

For chronic constipation, start the diet 3 days before the procedure.

Allowed:

• eggs, cheese;

• lean meat, poultry, fish;

• fermented dairy products;

• pasta;

• clear broths;

• tea, coffee;

• clear juices without pulp;

• water and non-carbonated drinks.

Excluded:

• vegetables, fruits, greens;

• bread and baked goods;

• cereals, grains, legumes;

• mushrooms, seaweed;

• carbonated drinks, kvass, kumis, alcohol.

The Day Before the Examination

• After 1:00 PM, completely avoid solid food.

• Only clear liquids are allowed:

  • water;

  • clear broth;

  • tea or coffee without milk;

  • clear juice without pulp.

On the Day of the Examination

• Sweet tea and clear liquids are allowed.

• Any liquid intake must be stopped no later than 2 hours before the procedure.

Bowel Preparation

Preparation is carried out in two stages using one of the following medications:

• Moviprep;

• Eziclen;

• Fortrans.

Additionally, the use of anti-foaming agents is recommended:

• Simethicone;

• Espumisan;

• Bobotik;

• Sab Simplex.

General Recommendations:

• Drink the solution gradually — 1 glass every 15 minutes.

• It is recommended to move around more during preparation.

• After the morning cleansing stage, the stool should become clear or light yellow.

A more detailed instruction is available via the link.