Your Visit to the Endoscopy Unit at NHS Tayside

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside your body using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope has a light and a camera attached to it, enabling the doctor to view images of the inside of your body on a screen.

You may need an endoscopy to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or gastrointestinal bleeding. It can also help doctors to take tissue samples (biopsies) or perform certain treatments.

Preparation varies depending on the type of endoscopy. Generally, you will need to fast for 6-8 hours beforehand. Detailed instructions will be provided by the endoscopy unit prior to your procedure.

Some medications may need to be paused prior to an endoscopy. It is important to discuss this with your doctor or the medical team at NHS Tayside to receive specific advice based on your medications and medical history.

The duration of an endoscopy procedure varies, but it typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes. You may need to spend additional time in the unit for preparation and recovery.

Patients are usually given a sedative to help them relax, and some may also receive a local anaesthetic to numb a specific area. This means you may be awake but comfortable and drowsy.

You will be monitored in the recovery area until the sedative wears off. It is advised to arrange for someone to take you home, as you should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.

Endoscopies are generally safe but can carry some risks such as bleeding, infection, or perforation of the examined area. These risks are low, and the medical team will discuss them with you prior to the procedure.

Some results may be available immediately after the procedure, but if tissue samples or biopsies were taken, these will need to be sent to a laboratory and could take a few days or longer. Your doctor will inform you of when to expect the results.

You will usually be able to eat and drink normally a few hours after the procedure, once the sedative has worn off. However, follow the specific advice provided by your doctor or nurse.

Directions to the Endoscopy Unit will be provided in your appointment letter. If you are unsure or need assistance, contact the unit directly for guidance.

Bring your appointment letter, a list of your current medications, your GP details, and any relevant medical records. It is also advisable to bring a friend or relative to accompany you.

Endoscopies are usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will go home the same day. However, complex procedures or underlying health conditions might require an overnight stay.

You might experience mild discomfort such as a sore throat, bloating, or cramping, which should improve within a day or two. Contact the unit if you experience severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding.

Contact details for the Endoscopy Unit, including phone numbers and operating hours, will be provided in your appointment letter. You can also visit the NHS Tayside website for more information.