Charter Medical Services

Preparation

• A nurse or doctor will chat to you before the procedure, and will want to know what medicines you take regularly, and if you have any allergies especially to drugs.
• Please ask at this time if you have any queries.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form.

 

During the test

• A nurse will be with you at all times
• You will be asked to remove any false teeth.
• Your throat will be numbed with an anaesthetic spray.
• You will lay on your side.
• A sedative injection in the arm may be given if you wish. This will make you feel drowsy and detached, but you will remain awake during the procedure.
• To keep your mouth open a plastic mouthpiece will be put between your teeth and a paper mask is used to protect your eyes from the bright light on the scope.
• A monitor sensor will be placed on your finger to check your pulse, and your respiration during the test.
• The doctor will pass the endoscope into the stomach, perhaps asking you to swallow. This is painless, and it will not prevent you breathing freely. Some air is passed down the tube to blow your stomach up a little to allow the doctor to see all areas clearly.
• Any saliva in the mouth will either run out, or the nurse can remove it using suction.
• The test usually takes about five to ten minutes.If you have had a sedative, it takes about an hour for the effects to wear off.
• During this time you will be observed in the recovery room by a nurse.
• Your throat will remain numb for over an hour, during which time you must not try to eat or drink.
• The throat may be a little sore for a while afterwards.
• When fully recovered you will be allowed home, but you must not drive, nor should you operate machinery, nor drink alcohol.
• If you have had a sedative, we advise that you should not be alone for six to eight hours.
• The following day you should have recovered fully, and should be able to resume normal activities, but if you have had sedation you should not drive a car.

 

The result of the test

• Doctor will tell you the result immediately after the test, but if a biopsy has been taken, the result may take a week or so.
• Details of the results and any treatment necessary should be discussed with your doctor once the report is through.

If you have any further queries, please telephone the unit.