Why is this procedure done?
This procedure is done to treat swollen blood vessels in the throat called esophageal varices. It is important to treat these right away. The pressure in these blood vessels is very high. You may have a large amount of bleeding if a blood vessel bursts. ‚
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What will the results be?
The swollen blood vessels will be less likely to break open and bleed. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history, do an exam, and may order tests.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will need to gargle with a solution to numb your throat. The staff will put an IV in your arm. This will let them give you fluids and drugs during the procedure. These will help you relax and be pain free.
- You will lie on your left side. Small tubes will give you oxygen through your nose to help you breathe. You will have a small tool in your mouth to help keep it open during the procedure.
- A scope with a tiny camera is put into your mouth down to your esophagus. To be able to view the site, gas will be put in the esophagus.
- When a swollen blood vessel is found, your doctor will put a band around it. This will stop the blood supply to the blood vessel. This may be repeated for other swollen blood vessels.
- Your doctor will carefully take all the special tools out of your mouth.
- The procedure takes less than 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- You may go home after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your throat may feel sore. Your doctor will give you drugs to ease the pain.
- Rest for at least a day after the procedure.
- Do not drive. Avoid using machines or tools, such as a lawnmower, for at least 1 day after the procedure.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) for at least 1 day after the procedure.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with your esophagus. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding or damage in the esophagus
- Infection in the esophagus
- Painful swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness
- Throwing up
- Very bad belly pain
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚