"Written explanation should be similar to the actual procedure"

Endoscopy/Gastroscopy.

The staff at the Newport Surgery were very efficient. A nurse took my details straight away and I was soon seen by a doctor who asked about symptoms etc.

A few minutes later I was prepared for the procedure with two nurses in attendance. I was put at ease and was not concerned by the procedure to come.

However, I found the next five minutes quite traumatic. The written explanation of the procedure stated “painless” and the doctor will “ask the patient to swallow the instrument – which feels like swallowing a large piece of food”. In reality, a wedge is put in your mouth so that you can’t swallow. At the point when the camera totally blocks your throat, you are naturally desperate to swallow but you are unable to – quite frightening and painful.

The nurses clearly expected me to move suddenly at this point, held down my arm and kept me calm and comfortable for the rest of the procedure. It was all quickly over and I was soon able to eat and drink normally.

My only criticism: please check that the written explanation provided to patients is similar to the actual procedure. Personally, I feel that having the ability to swallow during the procedure would be preferable.