ENT - Pharyngoscopy, Laryngoscopy, Upper Oesophagoscopy

What is a pharyngoscopy, laryngoscopy, upper oesophagoscopy?

The pharynx, larynx and upper oesophagus are all parts of the throat. You have probably had a small camera put into your nose to have a look in to your throat whilst in the ENT clinic.

It can sometimes be difficult to get a good view and sometimes the doctor might want to get a closer look and possibly take a small sample of anything unusual that they might find. To do this, the doctor will pass a camera into your throat again but this time you will be asleep in theatre (under a general anaesthetic).

Are there any risks/complications?

Dental damage

There is a very small chance that an instrument used during the procedure could cause some minor damage to your lips, teeth, and gums. The surgeon is always very careful, and every effort is made to avoid this, but you can help us to prevent any damage by telling us about any loose teeth, fillings, caps, or crowns you might have.

Sore throat/hoarse voice

After the procedure, it is very normal to have some discomfort in your throat and for your throat to be a little croaky. This should get better on its own after a few days, but you can help it by drinking plenty of fluids and taking simple pain relief.

Perforation

There is a very small risk that the procedure could cause a small tear in your throat. It is very rare that this happens but if it does, you will need to stay in hospital and not eat or drink anything for a few days while the tear heals. You will be given liquid food through a very small tube that goes in through your nose and straight into your stomach.

After the procedure

You can usually go home around two hours after the procedure as long as you are feeling well. You will need someone to pick you up and stay with you overnight in case you feel unwell after the anaesthetic. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after the anaesthetic. You will be given an appointment for a face to face or telephone consultation in the weeks after the procedure.

Contact details

Kate Hindley
Head & Neck Specialist Nurse
0161 206 3186
kate.hindley@nca.nhs.uk or

Rachel Parks
ENT Specialist Nurse
rachel.parks@nca.nhs.uk

Ear, Nose, and Throat (E.N.T) Dept - 0161 206 4758