Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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If you need an interpreter, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can arrange for a qualified person to attend your appointments.
What is an Oesophageal Stent?
A stent is a tube of flexible metal mesh which, once in position across the narrowed area of your oesophagus (food pipe), expands to allow fluid and food to pass through to the stomach more easily.
It is put in position with an endoscope, which is a long thin flexible tube about the thickness of your little finger. The endoscope will be passed through your mouth and into your oesophagus. X-rays are used when placing the stent.
What does the procedure involve?
You will be asked to remove your top and put on a hospital gown. In the endoscopy room you will be made comfortable on a couch, lying on your left side. A nurse will stay with you throughout the test. A plastic mouthpiece will be placed gently between your teeth or gums to keep your mouth open.
Throat spray will numb the back of the throat and help to make it less sensitive.
When the endoscopist passes the endoscope through the mouthpiece and into your stomach, it should not cause any pain, nor will it interfere with your breathing at any time.
During the test some air will be passed down the endoscope to distend the stomach. This is done to give the endoscopist a clear view and may cause some discomfort. When the examination is finished the endoscope is removed quickly and easily and the air is sucked out.
Sedation is given through an intravenous cannula (a small tube put into your vein). It is a sedative, not an anaesthetic, and will make most people feel drowsy and relaxed. The type of sedation used is called conscious sedation and is not a full general anaesthetic. This means that although you will feel sleepy, relaxed and may not remember the examination, you will still be able to respond to verbal instructions, i.e., you are awake, but drowsy.
Are there any risks involved?
Placing an oesophageal stent is a skilled procedure, which is performed by a highly trained doctor who takes every care to reduce any risks.
- A perforation (a tear in the lining) is an extremely rare, but serious complication which may require surgery and will involve having to stay in hospital.
- Bleeding is a rare complication that usually does not need any further treatment. A small amount of bleeding noticed in vomit or black stools is not unusual and should not cause alarm, especially following a biopsy. It may occur up to several days after the procedure. If heavier bleeding occurs (equal to more than a cupful) it may require further treatment in hospital.
- The use of a sedative drug can, in a very small number of patients (1 in 1,000), cause the breathing or heart rate to slow down. For this reason, the nurse will put a probe on your finger to monitor your pulse and oxygen levels. You might also have your blood pressure monitored. The effects of the sedative are easy to reverse, if necessary. If you are asthmatic, or have any breathing difficulties, please inform the nurse on your arrival and bring your inhaler with you if you use one.
Do I need to stop taking my medication?
- For patients on oral anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban) OR the antiplatelet drugs clopidogrel or ticagrelor, we will advise how these medications should be managed around your procedure. Please contact us on 0300 615 4157 (Wexham) or 0300 613 6045 (Frimley Park) if you have not been contacted regarding the above medication.
- For patients on warfarin, please have your INR checked 7 days before your procedure and call us at 0300 615 4163 (Wexham) or 0300 613 6045 (Frimley Park) with the result. Your INR will be checked again on the day of the procedure by our nursing team.
- 75 mg daily of aspirin may be continued.
- If you have had a heart attack, have acute heart failure or have had a coronary stent inserted recently, it is advisable to wait until your condition has stabilised before having your procedure, usually 6 weeks. Check with us by telephoning 0300 615 4157 (Wexham) or 0300 613 6045 (Frimley Park). Please also check with your cardiologist.
- If you are taking any regular medication for diabetes, please read the Diabetes advice leaflet or please telephone 0300 615 4157 (Wexham) or 0300 613 6647 (Frimley Park) if you have not received this. The advice leaflet will explain how to control your blood sugar around the time of your procedure and bring your diabetic pills or insulin with you. It is important to maintain a blood sugar above 5 mmol/l leading up to your procedure. Check your blood sugar level and if necessary take some glucose tablets ahead of your procedure to achieve this.
- Please let us know by telephoning 0300 615 4157 (Wexham) or 0300 613 6647 (Frimley Park) if you have pacemaker or cardiac device implants or if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Do I need to prepare?
We need to get a clear view, so your stomach must be empty.
Do not eat anything for six hours.
You can have clear fluids such as water or black tea up to three hours before the procedure.
Please wear comfortable, loose clothing when you come for the procedure
General information
- You will need to take some time off work and you can expect to be in hospital for 3-5 hours post procedure. However, most patients require an overnight stay for assessment and monitoring of progress. The results will be discussed with you before you leave.
- Please bring a dressing gown, slippers, a toothbrush, toiletries and night clothes as you will need to stay in hospital overnight, perhaps even for a few days. You may wish to bring something to read.
• Please do not bring any items of value such as jewellery or credit cards. We cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage.
Preparation
Do not have anything to eat or drink from midnight on the day before the examination otherwise food or liquids will obscure the view and the procedure may not be possible. If you wish, you may have a small glass of water before 8.00am on the day of your procedure.
On arrival at the unit
The receptionist will ask for your questionnaire. A health care professional will then complete a form about your medical history and take your blood pressure. The health care professional will also explain the risks involved in the procedure and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. You will then be asked to sign a consent form.
After the examination
You will be admitted and transferred to an inpatient ward area. Your throat may feel slightly sore and you may feel a little bloated due to air blown in through the tube. This will quickly pass. It may take many days for swallowing to improve as the stent gradually expands in the tight part of the food pipe. Once the tube has been placed, it is permanent. It may initially cause some mild discomfort, pain, or hiccups. These symptoms usually wear off with time.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/017
Approval date:
3 May 2024
Review date:
1 May 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.