Hello, this is Sungmo Best Internal Medicine in Siheung. The stomach and intestines are often called the 'mirror of health' because they reflect the overall condition of the body. Therefore, gastroscopy plays a crucial role in directly checking the condition of internal organs and in the early detection of serious diseases such as stomach cancer.
In this article, we have organized the most frequently asked questions about fasting times and preparations for those undergoing the examination, divided into three stages: before the examination, on the day of the examination, and after the examination.
Pre-Examination Preparation: Fasting is Half the Battle
The most important guideline is fasting.
- Solid food: Completely stop 6-8 hours before the examination.
- All beverages, including water: Prohibited 2-3 hours before the examination.
This measure is to ensure the inside of the stomach is clean to increase observational accuracy and to prevent complications during the examination. Please follow these instructions, even if they are a bit inconvenient.
If You Are Taking Medication
Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, blood pressure medication, or diabetes medication may require adjustment before the examination. Whether to temporarily stop or adjust the dosage varies depending on the situation, so please be sure to consult with our medical staff in advance to make a decision.
Checklist Other Than Fasting
- Get enough sleep and rest the day before the examination.
- Avoid excessive stress or physical fatigue.
- Inform us in advance if you have chronic diseases.
- Also, inform us in advance about allergies or specific constitutions.
On the day of the examination, comfortable and loose clothing is recommended, and it is better to remove precious metals or unnecessary accessories before visiting. If you are undergoing a sedated endoscopy, driving may be difficult due to the effects of the sedative, so please come with a guardian or use public transport. If you are curious about the entire examination procedure, you can check it in advance in the Examination Guide.
The Examination Day Proceeds in This Order
Upon arrival at the hospital, we first check your basic health status and have you fill out a consent form. Before entering the examination room, you will change into comfortable examination attire and store your personal belongings, completing the preparation. After this, the main examination begins.
1) Sedation and Preparation Stage
A sedative is administered intravenously to calm anxiety and reduce discomfort. Most patients undergo the examination in a semi-conscious state, during which vital signs are continuously monitored.
2) Endoscope Insertion
While lying on your side, the endoscope camera is slowly inserted through the mouth. The patient only needs to breathe comfortably, and the endoscope observes the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum in detail.
3) Observation and Biopsy
The condition of the mucous membrane, inflammation, ulcers, and tumors are carefully examined, and if necessary, tissue samples are collected with small forceps for further analysis.
After the examination, you may experience a mild sore throat, but it usually improves naturally within 1-2 days, so there is no need to worry too much. You may also feel abdominal bloating due to trapped air, but this usually improves with light activity such as walking slowly. The recovery speed may vary from person to person.
Post-Examination Care is Also Important
If you have undergone a sedated gastroscopy, please postpone driving and important decision-making until the effects of the sedative have completely worn off. On the day of the examination, it is recommended to return home with a guardian and get plenty of rest instead of engaging in strenuous physical activity.
Meals should be gradually reintroduced.
| Time | Permitted Food |
|---|---|
| 2-3 hours after examination | Lukewarm water, clear liquids |
| 4-6 hours after | Soft foods such as gruel, porridge |
| Within 24 hours | Gradual return to regular diet |
Foods to avoid include spicy foods, greasy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Since your stomach has been completely emptied for the examination, please gradually increase your food intake to avoid burdening it with sudden, irritating foods.
If you are planning a gastroscopy in Siheung, simply adhering to the fasting times and preparations outlined today can make a difference in the accuracy and safety of the examination. Gastroscopy is not just a medical procedure, but a preventive approach for a healthy life. Please check our Clinic Hours before visiting and allow ample time for your visit.
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Dr. Kim Seonhoo (Specialist in Gastroenterology, Specialist in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) · Medical Staff Introduction · Last reviewed 2026-08-06