What is diagnostic Endoscopy?
A diagnostic endoscopy is an examination to look at your internal organs using an instrument called an endoscope. It involves a long, tube-like instrument with a camera and light being inserted through a natural opening, such as the mouth or anus.
Diagnostic Procedures Performed
- Colonoscopy
- Gastroscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Any combination of the above, i.e., Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy.
Therapeautic Endoscopy Services
- Polpectomy
- Haemorrhoid banding
What are the benefits of diagnostic endoscopy?
A diagnostic endoscopy allows specialists to check for abnormal tissue, irritations, ulcers and inflammation of internal organs. An endoscopy can also be used to extract tissue samples from the body (biopsy).
What happens during a diagnostic endoscopy?
Preparing for a diagnostic endoscopy
Before having an endoscope passed through the mouth, you must avoid food for several hours as food in the stomach can obstruct the consultant’s view. You are usually given laxatives before an endoscope is inserted into the rectum and colon.
During a diagnostic endoscopy
The examination is usually carried out with the patient having pain relief via Entonox (gas and air) or sedation, your clinical team will discuss the best method with you.