Trafford Hospitals
Endoscopy Unit
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS FOLLOWING OESOPHAGEAL DILATATION
You may feel normal after your test. However, the drug that you have been given can make
you drowsy and forgetful. The full effects of this may take up to 24 hours to wear off. You
should have someone to take you home and look after you for this length of time. You should
NOT:
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Be left alone in the house or look after children
Drive. (You will not be covered by your insurance if you have an accident.)
Operate machinery including cookers and other domestic appliances.
Drink alcohol.
Sign any legally binding documents.
Return to work.
Following the test:•
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You may have a mildly sore throat. This should settle within 24 hours.
You may feel some discomfort and bloating of the abdomen. This is due to air which
has been pumped into your stomach during the test to help us see clearly. It should
soon pass by belching or passing flatus. If it is particularly troublesome, a drink of
peppermint water or a fizzy drink can be helpful.
Two hours following your test, you can have a drink of cold water. You will be expected
to stay on the department for this period of time. If you do not experience any
problems, you may resume eating and drinking. A soft diet should be taken initially,
gradually building up to a normal diet. Ensure you chew your food fully. If you
experience swallowing difficulties, breathlessness, fever or pain, please seek advice.
If you have an urgent problem or are worried in any way, you may contact:
• The Endoscopy Unit on (0161) 746-2016 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
• Trafford Urgent Care Centre on (0161) 746-2725 from 8am to 12mn, 7 days a week.
• Your nearest Accident & Emergency Department between 12mn and 8am.
o Wythenshawe Hospital A&E: (0161) 291-6041 / 6047.
o Salford Royal A&E: (0161) 789-7373, Option 2.
o Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E: (0161) 276-4147.
The stricture in your oesophagus (gullet) has been stretched to allow food to pass and it
should relieve many of your symptoms. Should you suffer from heartburn (caused by acid
passing into the gullet – reflux) following the procedure, you can help to reduce your
symptoms by following the advice below:
1. Lose any excess weight.
2. Stop smoking. A Smoking Cessation advisor can help you with this. Please call 7462300.
3. Avoid tight clothes.
4. Avoid large meals or eating late at night.
5. Make sure you have good fitting dentures and chew your food well.
6. Elevate the head of your bed if you suffer with reflux at night (an ordinary house brick
under each leg at the head of the bed is ideal, extra pillows are less effective).
7. Avoid stooping and bending.
8. Take any medication regularly as prescribed, even if you have no symptoms.
9. Avoid food and drink that cause you symptoms (For example, spicy food, chocolate,
peppermint, coffee, alcohol ).
Follow-up arrangements.
Nurse’s Signature .............................................. Date ................................
Reviewed November 2013
Review November 2015