An Endoscopy is a procedure that allows a Doctor or Nurse to look at areas of your Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract. They can look down the Endoscope and see if there is any inflammation or any other abnormalities. By using the Endoscope, samples (biopsies) can be taken of any abnormal looking tissues.
A full range of other diagnostic and therapeutic Endoscopy procedures are available within the Trust.
The South Eastern Trust has three units which provide Endoscopic Services:
- Day Procedure Unit, Inpatient Ward Block , Ulster Hospital, Dundonald
- Day Procedure Unit, Downe Hospital, Downpatrick
- Day Procedure Unit, Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn
If you require an OGD or a lower GI Endoscopy, you may be asked to attend any one of these units for your procedure.
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Upper GI Endoscopy
This is more commonly called an OGD which stands for Oesophago-Duodenoscopy. It is also known as a Gastroscopy. This test looks at the Oesophagus (Gullet), Stomach and Duodenum (first part of the small bowel). This test can show what is wrong if you are having difficulties with swallowing, indigestion, heartburn or nausea.
Preparation
With your appointment letter you will receive information which you will need to read carefully to prepare you for the procedure, for example fasting instructions, what to expect and aftercare.
When will you get the results?
In many cases the Doctor or Nurse will be able to tell you the results straight after the test. However, if a sample (biopsy) has been taken for examination, the results may take up to two weeks. Sometimes a biopsy called a CLO TEST is taken to test for the presence of an infection which can increase the risk of ulcers. The result of this test will be given to you before you leave the unit.
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Lower GI Endoscopy
A Colonoscopy looks at the whole of the colon (large bowel) and a flexible Sigmoidoscopy looks at the lower part of the large bowel. Both these procedures are recommended to check up on alterations in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained anaemia and as a screening test for colon cancer.
Preparation
With your appointment letter you will receive information which you will need to read carefully to prepare you for the procedure, for example fasting instructions, bowel preparation instructions, what to expect and aftercare.
When will I get the results?
As with an OGD, we will be able to tell you the results of the test prior to you leaving the unit. However, if samples have been taken you and your GP will be contacted when these have been examined.
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Referral
Referrals must be made by a healthcare professional.
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