Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a camera test to look at the first and last parts of your gut. Our specialists offer a full range of tests and scans to diagnose or monitor conditions related to your digestive health.
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What is it for?
Diagnosis of digestive conditions
Treatment overview
An endoscopy is a specialised test used to look at the gut.
They are typically performed to find out the cause of a number of different symptoms, such as bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and heartburn.
Endoscopic procedures can also be used to monitor a known condition or to see how a condition is responding to treatment.
The process involves passing a thin, flexible camera through either the mouth or anus to look for any signs of inflammation or damage. The picture produced allows our specialist team to diagnose causes of digestive problems and, where necessary, take samples.
Different types of endoscopies are used to investigate different parts of the digestive system. For example:
- Gastroscopy – this procedure looks at the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and the top part of the small intestine
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – is used to investigate the latter parts of the large bowel
- Colonoscopy – helps to examine the entire bowel.
We carry out our endoscopic procedures in The London Clinic’s state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit, ensuring our patients receive the best care, in a clean, modern and safe surrounding.
FAQ'S
Your doctor or specialist might suggest an endoscopy to understand the cause of any digestive symptoms you are having.
This could include unexplained blood tests, bleeding from the bowel or a change in your bowel habit.
They will explain the reason for the test, how it works, and what any results might mean.
When booking your endoscopy the exact details of your test will be confirmed.
We usually ask you to stop eating six hours before the test.
Please follow any instructions you are given about continuing or stopping your regular medications.
Before the procedure starts you may be offered something to make the test more comfortable. This may be a numbing spray to the mouth and throat, possibly with some sedation to help you relax.
A thin camera is then passed through your mouth and down to your stomach.
Pictures are relayed to screens so that your specialist can see the lining of your gut. They will be able to identify any areas that might explain your condition and take samples of tissue if needed.
You may be offered some pain relief or sedation to help you relax. You’ll be asked to lie on your side. A thin camera is then passed into the bowel via the anus.
The picture from inside your gut is shown on screens, allowing your specialist to see if there are any areas that can explain your symptoms.
Tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken if needed.
After your procedure you will be taken to our recovery area to ensure that you are comfortable.
If you have had sedation you will be kept here until you are more awake. Once your specialist is happy with your recovery, you will be able to go home.
When you are awake, your specialist will be able to discuss with you what they have seen during the endoscopy. Any tissue samples will be analysed in our laboratory.
Your specialist will be able to tell you when the results will be available and, if necessary, we will make an appointment for you to come and discuss the findings and what the next steps will be.
Most endoscopies are day-case procedures from which you will recover quickly with very minor discomfort.
There is usually no need to stay in and you can return to your normal activities very quickly.
Before you leave your specialist will discuss any other tests that you might need and arrange to see you again in clinic.
For some people another procedure called a capsule endoscopy, where you swallow a ‘tablet’ that has a camera inside it, may be suitable.
Your specialist will discuss with you what options are best for you.