Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
There are occasions when it is necessary to directly visualise your
- larynx or voice box (direct laryngoscopy)
- pharynx or throat (direct pharyngoscopy) and
- oesophagus or gullet (direct oesophagoscopy)
This procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic (fast asleep) and this enables a thorough look and also, if required a biopsy (sample) can be taken.
Alternatives
This procedure is normally required to investigate the cause of a larynx, pharynx or oesophagus problem and take biopsies. Therefore there is no real alternative.
Pre-operative assessment and care
You may be advised to attend the hospital about 1—2 weeks before the procedure for a pre-operative assessment, or sometimes this is performed in the regular outpatient clinic.
You will be admitted to hospital on the morning of the procedure, a general anaesthetic (fast asleep) is administered and the operation takes about 20 minutes. Afterwards you will return to the ward. You will either be discharged home later the same day or the following morning, depending on the surgeon’s instructions.
After the procedure - what to expect?
Your throat will be sore for about 48 hours.
In the immediate post-operative period, the ward staff will monitor your temperature and blood pressure. If your temperature increases or pain worsens, a doctor may be called to examine you.
After discharge home
You may notice blood stained saliva or mucous for the first few days. This is normal and will clear on its own.
Avoid:
• hot spicy foods
• smoky atmospheres and smoking.
If you have had biopsies taken, you will be given a clinic appointment to attend to get the results.
You have had a general anaesthetic, it is therefore advisable to rest for a week after the procedure. Please ask for a medical certificate if you require one.
If any of these problems arise after you have gone home please contact the wards:
Frimley Park Hospital: Short Stay Surgery ward Direct No:0300 6133216 or 0300 6133950
F1 (children’s ward) 0300 613 4252
Risks
During the procedure, rigid telescopes are passed via the mouth into the throat. The anaesthetist and surgeon will ask you if you have any capped, crowned or loose teeth. There is a small possibility of chipping or knocking out a tooth during the procedure.
If the examination is difficult, there is a very small chance of causing a tear in the lining of the pharynx or oesophagus. If this occurs, the neck will be very tender after the procedure and there may be difficulty swallowing.
If a tear is seen during the operation, a small tube may be placed from the nose into the stomach and nutrition given via the tube for several days to allow things to heal.
Alternatively, if a tear is suspected after the procedure, an x-ray (contrast) swallow may be required. Usually, tears of this nature will settle; but occasionally further intervention, which may include an operation, may be required.
Sources of Additional Information:
British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists: www.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/018
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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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.