Last Modified: 9:11am 04/06/2019

Endoscopy Procedures

What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopic procedure allows the doctor or nurse to visually inspect your gastrointestinal tract using a video camera attached to the end of a long thin flexible tube or endoscope. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as OGD or gastroscopy, is the examination of the oesophagus (food pipe or gullet), stomach and duodenum (first part of the small bowel). Lower gastronintestinal endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) is the examination of the colon (large bowel). Please see patient information for information about specific endoscopic procedures.

With your appointment letter you will receive an information booklet about your procedure and the preparation you require. This will include instructions on how to manage other medical conditions relevant to the test such as diabetes, or medications such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet (blood thinning treatments).The information booklet will also provide information on what you can expect during and after your test.  Please take time to read it carefully.

Procedures undertaken in the endoscopy unit include:

• Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  (examination of the lining of your gullet, stomach and first part of your intestine by a flexible tube with a small camera on the end)
• Colonoscopy
  (examination of your large bowel by a flexible tube with a small camera on the end)
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  (examination of lower bowel by a flexible tube with a small camera on the end)
• Endoscopic Ultrasonography Diagnostic/FNA
  (examination of the lining of your gullet, stomach pancreas and bile ducts by a flexible tube with a small camera on the end and a scan performed)
• ERCP
  (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography)
• EUS
  (Endoscopic Ultrasound) – This service is expected to start in June 2019
• Capsule Endoscopy
  (pill sized camera examination of the small bowel)
• Bronchoscopy
  (examination of your lung by a flexible tube with a small camera on the end)
• EBUS
  (an endobronchial ultrasound of the lungs with a biopsy)
• Cystoscopy
  (examination of the Urinary bladder)

We also offer National Bowel Scope screening service and Bowel Cancer screening service.