Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam
• Blood tests

In the days leading up to your procedure:

• The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• Take medications, if prescribed by your doctor.
• Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, and for help at home after your procedure.

Anesthesia

• Local—You may be given an anesthetic solution to gargle, or your throat may be sprayed with a numbing anesthetic. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.
• Conscious sedation—You may be given medications through an intravenous (IV) to help you relax and to treat any pain you feel during the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

You may be asked to lie on your left side. You will have monitors that will track your breathing, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. You may also be given supplemental oxygen to breathe through your nose.

A supportive device will be positioned in your mouth to help keep it open during the procedure. A suction tube will be used to clear the saliva and other fluids from your mouth.

Then your doctor will place a lubricated endoscope (a small, flexible tube containing a light and video camera) into your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus. As the endoscope advances, the doctor can view the inside of your digestive tract and locate the enlarged vein. Air will be introduced into the endoscope to help your doctor see your esophagus.

Once your doctor has located the vein, he or she will need to remove the endoscope and attach the banding device to the end of the scope. He or she will then repass the scope into the esophagus and suck the enlarged tissue into the device’s chamber and place one or more bands around it.

After Procedure

You will be taken to a recovery area until the effects of your medications have worn off.

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure typically takes less than one hour.

Will It Hurt?

You will usually feel some pressure and discomfort but no pain during the procedure. After the procedure, your throat may feel irritated and sore.

Possible Complications

• Bleeding
• Accidental perforation of the esophagus
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Aspiration (breathing fluids into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia)
• Infection
• Fever
• Reduced breathing rate and/or depth
• Adverse reaction to sedatives or numbing anesthetics

Average Hospital Stay

In most cases, you will be observed for about an hour and then allowed to go home.

Postoperative Care

After returning home, you should do the following:

• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding your diet.
• Avoid driving or using heavy machinery for at least a day after your procedure, since sedatives may slow your reaction time.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for at least a day after your procedure.
• Get plenty of rest.