Upper Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Endoscopy with Throat Spray: Discharge Advice

You have had an endoscopy with a local anaesthetic throat spray to numb the back of your throat.

This leaflet tells you what to expect and who to contact if you have any questions or concerns when you go home.

You must not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after your endoscopy until the effects of the throat spray have worn off to avoid aspiration (choking).

You should try sips of water to make sure your swallowing has returned to normal. You can then eat, drink and take any medications (drugs) as normal unless your doctor or endoscopist (a doctor or nurse trained to do endoscopies) has advised you not to.

How will I feel when I go home?

You may have:

• a sore throat for up to 24 hours.
• abdominal (tummy) discomfort or feel bloated. This is due to the air put into your stomach during your examination and usually settles within a few hours.

To help ease any abdominal discomfort have warm drinks, walk around, suck sweets or drink peppermint water, if needed.

It is unusual to have any side effects following your procedure. You must contact the Endoscopy Unit (see contact numbers) where you had your procedure, immediately if within 24 hours you:

• have severe pain in your neck, chest, or abdomen.
• develop a temperature higher than 38ºC (100.4ºF).
• develop vomiting (being sick) or nausea (feeling sick).

If the department is closed and you have an urgent problem the night after your endoscopy you should contact your local Accident and Emergency Department. (See contact numbers).

When will I be told the results of my examination?

Before you leave the unit your nurse or endoscopist will explain the results of your examination to you and you will be given a copy of this. Your GP will be sent a report.

If the endoscopist who has done your endoscopy feels it is necessary you may be given some medication and/or an outpatient appointment.

If you had any biopsies taken and sent to a laboratory for further examination you may have to wait for up to 6 weeks for the results. Your GP will also be sent a copy of these results. If you are given an outpatient appointment, your results will be discussed with you then.

If you have not received your results, you can make an appointment to see your GP to discuss them. Please note the Endoscopy Unit do not receive a copy of your results.

Contact Details

Endoscopy Unit

Telephone: 01642 624387

Opening hours: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Monday to Friday)

Accident and Emergency

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 01642 382899

Rutherford Morison Unit

Telephone: 01429 522356

Opening hours: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Monday to Friday)

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999).

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]