If your doctor has referred you to the endoscopy department at the hospital, it's likely that you have been experiencing symptoms that require further investigation. Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside your body using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end.
The endoscopy department is where this procedure takes place. It can be used to investigate a range of symptoms and conditions, such as stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, bleeding from the digestive tract, and more.
During an endoscopy, the doctor will guide the endoscope through your mouth or rectum and into the area of concern. The camera on the endoscope will transmit images to a screen, allowing the doctor to examine the inside of your body and look for any abnormalities.
Depending on the findings, the doctor may take biopsies, remove polyps or other growths, or perform other procedures to treat the underlying condition. While endoscopy can seem intimidating, it's a routine procedure that is performed every day in hospitals around the world, and it can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions.
Our endoscopy team provide screening, diagnostic and interventional services. Screening means a test which is done in the absence of symptoms, in a person who is at risk of developing a disease. For example, if a family member has had certain types of polyps or bowel cancer, you may be advised to have a screening test to identify an abnormality at an early stage before symptoms develop. Diagnostic tests are done when someone develops symptoms, in order to make a diagnosis. Finally, intervention services are actually techniques of treating certain conditions. Polyps, for example, can be removed via endoscopy, rather than needing open surgery. An endoscopy helps us investigate and treat symptoms and conditions of the digestive system. We see patients who are experiencing issues with any part of their digestive tract.
Our endoscopy suite at Hermitage Clinic is Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accredited . JAG is an independent organisation that assesses and accredits gastro-intestinal (GI) departments in hospitals to ensure they are meeting high standards of care. If a GI department is awarded the Joint Advisory Group Accreditation, it means that they have met certain quality standards set by JAG. This accreditation is awarded to hospitals that provide safe, high-quality endoscopy services, which include procedures such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy. The accreditation process involves a team of experts reviewing the hospital's policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they meet strict criteria for patient safety and quality of care.
At each of our three hospitals, our endoscopy team includes:
- Consultant Gastroenterologists
- Endoscopy Specialist Nurses
Who we treat
We see patients with a variety of symptoms and conditions. This includes:
- gastrointestinal symptoms
- suspected malabsorption syndrome (difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients)
- diarrhea
- rectal bleeding
- altered bowel habit
- unexplained weight loss
- anemia (iron deficiency)
- coeliac disease
- polyps
- hemorrhoids
Please note that we do not see patients under the age of 16.
What to expect
- Ahead of your appointment at our endoscopy department, you'll be told your appointment time and given important instructions. These may include the need for you to fast before we see you. You can continue to take any medication you're on as normal.
- On arrival, our admissions team will register you and a nurse will take you to the endoscopy ward. You'll be given a gown to change into.
- Depending on your procedure, you might be with us between 2 and 6 hours. You'll have 2 specialist endoscopy nurses and a consultant with you during your procedure.
- You will not be given anaesthetic for your procedure. However, you can choose to be sedated if you prefer.
- After your procedure, you'll be taken to the recovery room where you'll be given some refreshments.
- Your consultant will discuss the results and any next steps with you on the day of your endoscopy.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.