Although the procedure lasts only 5-10 minutes, most people chose to go to sleep for the test so they do not feel anything during the procedure.  Dr Neil works closely with expert anesthesiologists who will safely administer deep sedation for the procedure and monitor you carefully throughout the test.  Alternatively, you may choose to have the procedure awake with local anesthetic spray to numb the back of the throat to reduce any gagging or retching. 

Before the test, you will need to fast for at least 6 hours before the test to make sure your stomach is empty.  During the test, Dr Neil will gently guide the camera over the back of the throat and steer it into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.  Tissue samples or biopsies may be taken during the test to give further information – this is a painless and very safe procedure. The test is usually completed in 5-10 minutes. 

After the test, you may experience a sore throat for 24 hours or some trapped gas in the stomach although most people have no symptoms at all.  You will go home around 2 hours after the test.  If you have been given sedation you should not drive home yourself and should get home with a friend or relative or in a taxi.