Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |Capsule Endoscopy | ERCP | Oesophageal Manometry & pH Monitoring | Barium Enema | Hydrogen Breath Tests

Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy (also known as an endoscopy or OGD) is a visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract. A soft, narrow tube is inserted into the mouth, enabling the doctor to look for problems and, if necessary, perform treatments.

This procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes and is usually carried out after the application of a numbing throat spray.

After your gastroscopy you may leave the endoscopy department and eat and drink normally after about an hour.

The endoscopy unit will inform you of the relevant guidelines in preparing for this test.

Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy, only deeper into the bowel. The doctor can see an image of your bowel on a TV monitor, painlessly take biopsies for laboratory analysis, and remove polyps from the bowel wall.

A colonoscopy takes longer than a flexible sigmoidoscopy (c. 30min) and is performed with a nurse in attendance, usually under mild sedation. You will be conscious throughout the procedure.

The endoscopy unit will inform you of the relevant guidelines in preparing for this test.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscope is a soft, narrow tube, which is lubricated and passed into the bowel in order to provide a clear assessment about your symptoms.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy can be carried out quickly and gently, without much discomfort. Polyps can be removed and samples taken for histology (sent to the laboratory for examination under the microscope).

The endoscopy unit will inform you of the relevant guidelines in preparing for this test.

Capsule Endoscopy
A capsule endoscopy is a test carried out when access via traditional endoscopy or colonoscopy is prohibitive. A small pill-sized capsule is swallowed and sends images to a reciever worn by the patient. The capsule is subsequently passed out naturally by the patient.

ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ECRP) is an examination of pancreatic, gallbladder and biliary ducts. The physician will pass a thin tube very precisely through your mouth, stomach and into the ducts and inject a dye that will allow very detailed images to be seen on X-ray.

The endoscopy unit will inform you of the relevant guidelines in preparing for this test.

Oesophageal Manometry & pH Monitoring
pH manometry is an examination whereby a small tube is passed through the nostril and worn for a day, transmitting data to a receiver worn by the patient. This is a good way to monitor any reflux symptoms (heartburn) over a given period.

An oesophageal manometry again involves a nasal tube, this time to check oesophageal contractions as you drink water. This procedure takes half an hour or so.

Barium Enema
A barium enema is a type of x-ray and is carried out in the imaging department. You will need to take a laxative beforehand. The investigation is carried out without sedation.

Hydrogen Breath Tests
This is a procedure used to measure how well the body absorbs sugars. In some cases, rather than being absorbed, sugars such as glucose and lactose are broken down by bacteria in the intestine, resulting in a bloated sensation, wind or diarrhoea.

The lactose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) checks for intolerance to lactose in dairy products, such as milk and cheese.

The glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT) determines whether bacteria is present in the small intestine, reacting with glucose to produce hydrogen.

The endoscopy unit will inform you of the relevant guidelines in preparing for these tests.