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Endoscopy

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What is an Endoscopy?

Throat

An endoscopy is a test that checks if your tummy is healthy.

camera

A small camera is put in your mouth, down to your tummy.

hospital

An endoscopy is done at hospital. Usually you can go home the same day.

Before you go

a man eating
a drink

Before your appointment you might need to

  • Stop eating 4 hours before your appointment.
  • Stop drinking 2 hours before your appointment.
    You can have small sips of water.
a doctor talking to a patient

The doctor or nurse will tell you about this before your appointment.

What happens at my appointment?

a patient wearing a gown

When you get to hospital, you will have to change into a gown.

a person holding their throat

You will be given a spray or a sweet to suck.
This will make your throat numb so you can not feel your throat.

a hand

You might be given a jag in the back of your hand.
This will make you feel sleepy.

a doctor putting a camera gently down a patient's throat

The doctor will gently put the camera in your mouth, then down your throat.

a person looking embarrassed

You will feel the camera blowing air into your tummy.

This will make you feel full up and you might burp.

This is normal so don’t feel embarrassed.

A person holding out their hand indicating to stop

It might feel strange or sore.

You can ask the doctor to stop.

a doctor talking to a patient

The doctor will talk to you about the test results.

a house

Then you can usually go home.

alcoholic drinks

You will feel sleepy after the hospital.

It is important to avoid alcohol for the rest of the day.

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NHS Lanarkshire is committed to improving the service it provides to patients and their families. We therefore want to hear from you about your experience. If you would like to tell us about this please visit our feedback page.

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