The Endoscopy unit provides diagnostic procedures for conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (bowel and stomach), including surveillance for cancer, ulcers, polyps, and irritable bowel syndrome

A diagnostic endoscopy is an examination to look at your internal organs using an instrument called an endoscope. This is a long, tube-like instrument with a lens and light. It may be inserted through a natural opening such as the mouth or anus.

This examination 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) or insert dye into a particular organ to create a clearer view under x-ray.

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.

The examination is usually carried out with the patient under sedation, or general anaesthetic in some cases. Your Consultant will discuss the best method with you.