Endoscopic investigations and procedures
These can be performed with or without sedation (although sedation means you cannot drive or work for 24 hours following the procedure). There is a small risk of complications with any endoscopic procedure and these will be discussed with you. Please inform us if you are on any blood thinning medication as this may well need to be stopped before the procedure.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
This evaluates the lower half of the large bowel (Colon), and is often used if you have had rectal bleeding. This is a more straightforward procedure than a colonoscopy, does not require full bowel preparation, but does involve an enema which is given just beforehand. This procedure is often performed without sedation. It can be combined with a banding procedure for haemorrhoids.
For more information:
spirehealthcare.com/treatments/bowel-treatments/flexible-sigmoidoscopy
Haemorrhoid banding
In some patients, haemorrhoids can be treated with a banding procedure, which involves examining the back passage with a small telescope and passing a device through this, which is used to place a band on the haemorrhoid. This should cut off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid causing it to shrink down. The bands tend to come off a week or so after the procedure. This procedure can be performed in clinic.
For more information:
spirehealthcare.com/conditions/piles
Upper GI endoscopy
An upper Gastro style (GI), endoscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum using a flexible telescope. This procedure is sometimes known as a gastroscopy, OGD, or simply an endoscopy. This procedure is recommended if you have experienced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or if you are anaemic.
For more information:
spirehealthcare.com/treatments/weight-loss/gastroscopy