Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What happens after my appointment?
- After your test, you can leave the hospital and carry on with your day as normal - eating, drinking, and going back to work.
- You may have a mild sore throat after your test. Drinking any type of fluid frequently or sucking throat lozenges can help.
- It is very unlikely you will have any other symptoms. However, if you have any severe pain or bleeding (see Are there possible side effects? for more information) or are concerned, you should contact the clinic using the contact details at the end of this leaflet. Outside normal opening times, please go to the Emergency Department, telling them that you have had a CST.
- If your heartburn symptoms become worse, you should continue to take your heartburn medication and contact your GP.
- Your cell sample will be sent to a laboratory and tested for signs of Barrett’s Oesophagus, inflammation, or cancerous changes.
How will I get my results?
The results of your test will take around two to three weeks following your procedure. Your GP will be sent a copy of your results.
If your CST test shows your cells are normal
If you have this result you will receive a letter in the post. This means that there is no evidence of damage to your oesophagus (food pipe), and you will continue with your current treatment (such as acid-suppressants) for your symptoms.
If the CST tests finds any abnormal cells or is inconclusive
Further investigation of the oesophagus (food pipe) will be needed. This is usually an upper endoscopy. You will receive a phone call from the nurse to discuss the reasons for this. If you would like more information on this investigation, please speak to your nurse.
Are there possible side effects?
Over 10,000 people in the UK have had a capsule sponge test so far, with no serious side effects.
Swallowing the capsule is not painful and most people have no problem doing so. If you do have a problem, we will not continue with the test.
As you have not been removed from the upper endoscopy waiting list, we will tell the Endoscopy Unit that you are not suitable for CST and will need an upper endoscopy instead.
- You may have a mild sore throat after your test, which can last for up to 48 hours. This is easily treated with fluids and / or lozenges.
- There is a small risk (less than one in 5,000) that the string may become detached from the sponge, or it may be difficult to remove the sponge. If this happens, it is not painful or dangerous. You will have an upper endoscopy to remove the sponge (the same procedure you were originally referred for) within four to six hours.
- There is a very small possibility that the capsule could go into your lungs instead of your stomach (the same as when you swallow food). To date this has not happened.
- If the device should cause any form of damage to the lining of your oesophagus, there is a very small possibility that your oesophagus could become infected and need treatment. To date this has not happened.
- Oesophageal spasm is a condition where the oesophagus (food pipe) becomes confused, as it is designed for items to go down not up, so it can go into spasm. If this should happen, we will sit you quietly and treat your symptoms.
- Some streaking of red blood when you cough or vomit is possible after your procedure, due to the irritation caused by the device. If this does happen, it should last no more than 24 hours. If the amount of red blood is a lot more or you notice red stools when you go to the toilet, you should contact the clinic using the contact details at the end of this leaflet. Outside normal opening times, please go to the Emergency Department, telling them that you have had a CST.
- Like all tests, the CST may not find all abnormalities. On very rare occasions, a serious abnormality might not be found by the test. If you have any questions about this, please discuss it with the nurse at your pre-assessment or procedure appointment.
When to seek help after the test
Please do not hesitate to contact us during working hours from 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday.
• Endoscopy Unit, Heatherwood Hospital on 0300 614 4020
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/087
Approval date:
10 January 2024
Review date:
1 December 2026
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.