Is transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) painful?

Many people find TEE to be uncomfortable, but not actually painful. The staff at the echocardiography lab will take several steps to make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gel,or gargling solution. In addition, you will likely be given a sedative through an intravenous line, to help you relax during the procedure.

However you may feel like gagging when the flexible tube with the echo transducer on its tip is passed down your esophagus. You will also feel the movement of the tube as it is positioned in various places in your esophagus and stomach, but this should not be uncomfortable.

After the TEE, your throat is likely to be sore for a few days.