Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a test where a thin tube is passed into the body to observe the stomach or bowel in detail. It is the most effective way of diagnosing gastrointestinal cancer and is also used to find other internal diseases and to carry out tasks including minor surgery. Endoscopes are gently inserted via the mouth or through the bottom using a combination of anaesthetics and short lasting intravenous sedation for comfort.  These are daycase procedures and a patient is typically in the hospital for two hours before their friend or relative escorts them home.  Endoscopy is a key element of our care for you. We are therefore proud to be able to provide the highest level of expertise using the most modern equipment at each of our endoscopy centres.

Gastroscopy is a very common procedure used to investigate conditions causing swallowing and stomach problems. The endoscope is passed through the mouth into the stomach and looks for reflux, ulcers and gastritis as well as biopsies to diagnose infection or allergy.

Colonoscopy examines the colon, also called the large intestine or bowel. It is the gold standard investigation for bowel cancer and allows biopsies to be taken and polyps (small growths of the bowel wall) to be removed. It is very important for a patient to follow a bowel cleansing process prior to colonoscopy.

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are often scheduled together for your convenience.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a similar test to colonoscopy but limits examination to the last part of the colon only. This is suitable for some patients and in some clinical circumstances. The bowel cleansing for flexible sigmoidoscopy is different to colonoscopy and usually administered in the endoscopy unit immediately before the procedure.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) are specialist endoscopy procedures that we usually carry out at larger hospitals.