Contraindications for Gastroscopy

Absolute Contraindications in Pregnancy

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that gastroscopy is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy for conditions such as placental abruption, imminent birth, ruptured membranes, and hypertensive disease of pregnancy, due to the risk of hypoperfusion and fetal distress 1
The American College of Gastroenterology states that ruptured membranes is an absolute contraindication for gastroscopy in pregnancy 2

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends that patients with severe coagulopathy (INR >1.5, Quick <50%, platelets <50,000/mm³, PTT >450s) require careful assessment of risk and benefit before undergoing gastroscopy 3

The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that patients with ASA class III-V, elderly patients, patients with heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, significant pulmonary disease, liver failure, and jaundice require special precautions during gastroscopy 3, 4, 2

The British Society of Gastroenterology recommends that high-risk patients undergoing gastroscopy should receive supplemental oxygen before and during the procedure to minimize the risk of hypoxia 3, 6, 2, 7
The American College of Gastroenterology states that continuous clinical monitoring by a qualified nurse trained in endoscopy techniques is essential for high-risk patients undergoing gastroscopy 3, 8, 6, 2, 7

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends that the doses of all sedative medications should be kept to a minimum necessary to ensure patient comfort during gastroscopy 6, 2, 7
The American Gastroenterological Association states that the combination of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of cardiorespiratory events due to synergistic effects 3, 8, 6, 4, 2

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that routine screening or surveillance colonoscopies should be deferred until after delivery in pregnant women 2
The American College of Gastroenterology states that non-elective, but not emergency, endoscopic procedures can usually be delayed until after the first trimester in pregnant women 9
The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends that elective procedures should be postponed until after delivery in pregnant women 3