Triple scope (1355)

Key points below


How do we prepare for a Triple Scope?

8 hours before the procedure, your child must not eat any solid food, or drink any liquids that are not clear (see-through).  No red or purple colored liquids. These can stain the tube from your mouth to your stomach called the esophagus and the stomach making it look bloody.  See list of clear liquids below.   

2 hours before the procedure stop all clear liquids. Your child should not eat or drink anything until after the procedure. 

Clear liquids include:

Please note: It is important that you follow these special instructions. If your child eats or drinks anything after the times listed above, the test may be cancelled.


What is a Triple Scope? 

After your Aerodigestive clinic visit, your child may need more testing.  Testing may be one or more endoscopies.  We call these coordinated tests a Triple Scope.  
An endoscopy lets the doctor look inside your child’s body.  The doctor will use a small camera that goes through the mouth or the nose.  Your child will not be awake during any painful procedures. To keep your child comfortable, they will be given general anesthesia or sedation medicine. 

A triple scope means your child will have more than one area looked at during this visit. More than one provider will be looking to get the information needed to best help your child. 

What endoscopies are included?

Before the tests 

A nurse from Day Surgery will call you 2 to 3 days before the test to: 

If your child has diabetes or other health problems, please contact your doctor or clinic to let them know your child is having a procedure.

After the tests

When the triple scope is done, your child will go to the Recovery Room for a short time. Your child may need some oxygen for a while right after the scope.  This sometimes happens because of general anesthesia.

Your doctors will tell you if your child can go home the same day or need to stay overnight. 

If your child can be discharged home the same day, then your child will return to Day Surgery. Your child may go home once they are awake and alert. This may take several hours.

If your doctors recommend that your child stay overnight, they will discuss this plan with you. Sometimes, your doctors may recommend that your child stay overnight in an intensive care unit.  This is so your child can be closely watched.   

Each child feels different after these tests but there are some common side effects. Your child may have a sore throat.  They may also have a hard time swallowing. This will go away within 24 to 48 hours after the test. Acetaminophen may be given. 
Your child may develop a cough after the test. If a BAL was done, your child may have fever for 1 to 2 days after the procedure. 

The results of the biopsies will be ready in about 7 days. A member of your child’s health care team will call you with results. Call after one week if you have not heard from them. 

Possible risks 

Other information:

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