Endoscopy

 Endoscopy is a method of looking at the inside of a body organ using an endoscope. An endoscope is a very small camera mounted on a flexible tube.

There are many types of endoscopes, and procedures are named in relation to the organs or areas they explore.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine), using an instrument called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is a small camera attached to a flexible tube.

 
The operation is performed under sedation. You can expect to be in the treatment centre for no more than a few hours. There may be medical reasons why you will be given a general anaesthesia or it may be that you request a general anaesthetic. The decision is based on your specific clinical requirements.

This procedure is performed as a day case.

Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is an internal examination of the stomach using a very small camera attached to a flexible tube.

 
The operation is performed under sedation. You can expect to be in the treatment centre for no more than a few hours. There may be medical reasons why you will be given a general anaesthesia or it may be that you request a general anaesthetic. The decision is based on your specific clinical requirements.

Endoscopy is available at our Devizes, Emersons Green and Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centres.