Endoscopy

This is what you can expect when you come for your procedure.

Different procedures may have different preparation. We will explain this to you.

When you arrive, our reception staff will check your details are correct. We will ask you to wait in the waiting room until our nurses are ready for you.

A nurse will introduce themselves. They will invite you into a private room to go through documents.

You may need to get changed depending on your procedure. We will check your blood pressure and pulse. We will ask you to sign the consent form. We will then show you to a bed area until it is time for your procedure.

The nurse taking care of you will take you to a procedure room. You will meet the endoscopist. We will make more safety checks before doing the procedure.

After your procedure, we will take you to a recovery area. Once recovered, we will give you your discharge information in a private room. You can then go home. You may need a responsible adult with you.

What is an upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy)?

An upper GI endoscopy, also called a gastroscopy, is a test that lets us look inside your throat, food pipe, and stomach.

It helps find out what might be causing the symptoms you are having.

How is the test done?

A nurse or doctor will gently pass a long, thin, flexible tube into your mouth. The tube has a small camera on the end. It goes over the back of your tongue, down your throat, and into your stomach.

Sometimes we take a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy. We send this to the lab for testing.

Will I gag during the test?

You might gag a little as the tube goes in. We will help make you feel as comfortable as possible. We use a numbing spray on the back of your throat to help.

A nurse will stay by your side to help you with your breathing and keep you calm.

Will I be asleep for the test?

Most people stay awake during a gastroscopy. We will not put you to sleep unless your doctor says you need a general anaesthetic. If that happens, your test will take place in the theatres department.

What if I feel nervous?

If you are anxious, we can give you conscious sedation. This is a small injection into your hand or arm that helps you relax. It is not a general anaesthetic, so you will still be awake. It can have an amnesic effect for 24 hours. This means it may affect your memory.

If you have sedation, you must have someone to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours. During this time, you should not drive, sign important papers, or do any work or DIY.

Will the test hurt?

The test is not usually painful. You may feel discomfort as the camera passes over the back of your tongue. This usually settles quickly.

Afterwards, you might feel a bit bloated. That feeling usually goes away soon after the test.

When can I eat and drink again?

Everyone is different. But most people can eat and drink about 30 minutes after their gastroscopy.

If you had sedation, your recovery might take a little longer.

Why do I need to have an empty stomach?

Your stomach needs to be empty so we can see clearly. If there is food or liquid in your stomach, we may not be able to see everything we need to. You may need to come back for another test.

From 6 hours before your procedure, please only drink clear fluids. This means water or black tea / coffee (without milk). You should eat and drink nothing (nil by mouth) for 2 hours before.

What should I do about my medication?

If you take regular medication, please get in touch to check what to do before your test.

It is especially important to tell us if you take medicines such as insulin or blood thinners.

You can find the team’s phone number on your appointment letter or on this page in the Contact us section.

What to expect during a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test that looks inside your large bowel (colon).

A thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end is passed through your back passage. The camera is about the width of a finger. It allows the specialist to check your bowel for any problems.

Before your appointment

A few days before your test, you will be sent a strong laxative called bowel preparation, or bowel prep.

It is important to take the bowel prep exactly as instructed.

You may also be advised to:

• Stop taking some medicines before the test.
• Follow a special diet for a short time before the test.

A clean bowel helps us see the bowel lining clearly. This makes it easier to find any problems.

On the day of your test

Please arrive at the endoscopy department at the time shown on your appointment letter.

When you arrive, a member of staff will:

• Check your details.
• Ask you some questions.
• Explain the test.
• Discuss the benefits and risks.
• Ask for your consent.

You will then be taken to the procedure room with the endoscopist and nursing staff.

Before the test starts, we will check your details again to make sure everything is correct.

Sedation

You will be offered the choice of having sedation.

Sedation is given as an injection. It can help you feel calm and relaxed during the test.

If you choose sedation:

• You must not drive afterwards.
• You will need someone to stay with you for 24 hours.
• You should avoid heavy lifting and manual work.

During the test

The endoscopist will gently guide the camera through your bowel.

The camera will travel to the end of the colon and then be slowly withdrawn while the bowel lining is checked carefully.

The test usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

After the test

When the test is finished, you will be taken to the recovery area.

You will be able to:

• Rest for a short time.
• Have something to eat and drink.
• Change back into your normal clothes.

Before you go home, a member of the team will explain your results and discuss any next steps.

What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test that looks inside the lower part of your bowel.

A thin, flexible tube is gently passed into your back passage (rectum). The tube is about the width of your little finger. The doctor or specialist can then check the left side of your bowel.

Why do I need a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

You may need this test if:

• You have bleeding from your back passage.
• Your GP has asked for further tests.
• A CT scan has shown an area that needs a closer look.

The test helps us find the cause of your symptoms.

Is a flexible sigmoidoscopy safe?

Yes. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe test.

Like all medical procedures, there are some risks. Serious problems are rare. The team will explain these risks before your test.

How do I prepare for the test?

Before your appointment, you will need to use a phosphate enema.

An enema helps clear the lower part of your bowel so the specialist can see clearly.

• The enema will be sent to you by post.
• Use it at home 1 hour before your appointment.
• Follow the instructions in the pack.

If you need help, please contact us.

Can I eat and drink before the test?

Yes. You do not need to stop eating or drinking before a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

What if I need help using the enema?

Please contact us.

A member of the team can talk you through the process and answer any questions.

Do I need to stop taking my medicines?

Some medicines may need to be stopped before the test.

• If you take blood-thinning medicine, contact us at least 1 week before your appointment. They will tell you what to do.
• Stop taking iron tablets at least one week before your test.

What if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact us as soon as possible.

Can I still attend if I am on my period?

Yes. Having your period will not affect the test. Please attend your appointment as planned.

What if I have a disability or extra support needs?

Please contact us before your appointment.

We will do our best to make any changes needed to support you.

What if I feel nervous?

It is normal to feel worried about a test.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We are happy to help.

Can someone come with me?

Yes. Someone can come with you to the Endoscopy Department.

They cannot come into the procedure room. They will need to wait elsewhere until your test is finished.

What should I wear?

Wear your normal clothes.

Before the test, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

Who will be in the room?

There will usually be:

• An endoscopist, who carries out the test
• 2 nurses

Will I have a general anaesthetic?

No. A general anaesthetic is not usually needed.

You may be offered gas and air (entonox) to help with discomfort.

You can also ask about light sedation.

If you have sedation:

• Someone must take you home.
• Someone must stay with you for 24 hours.

Is the test uncomfortable?

You may feel some discomfort during the test.

Most people do not find it painful. The team will explain what to expect before the procedure starts.

What if I feel like I need the toilet?

This feeling is common during the test.

The enema should empty the lower part of your bowel. Although you may feel like you need the toilet, you are unlikely to need to go.

How long does the test take?

The test usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

The exact time will depend on why you are having the procedure.

How will I feel afterwards?

You may feel bloated or have trapped wind after the test.

This is normal and should improve quickly once you pass wind.

Will I have pain or bleeding afterwards?

If we take a biopsy or remove a small polyp, you may notice a small amount of blood afterwards.

The team will explain what is normal and when to seek advice.

When can I eat and drink again?

You can eat and drink as normal straight after the test.

When can I exercise again?

If a polyp has been removed, do only light exercise for 24 hours.

If no polyp is removed, you can return to your usual activities straight away.

Will I need time off work?

Most people can return to work after the test.

If you have sedation, you should rest for the rest of the day and follow the advice given by the team.

Will I feel a biopsy being taken?

No. The bowel does not have the nerve endings  so you will not feel anything.

When will I get my results?

Your results should be available within two weeks.

A copy of the results will also be sent to your GP.

• Dr Tom Lee - Endoscopy Clinical Lead/Consultant Gastroenterologist - 0191 293 2576
• Gail Stokeld – Operational Services Manager – 07816 457665
• Kirsty Harrison – Endoscopy Matron - 07860 310812
• Leigh Donnelly – Education and service development lead - 01670 529309 or 07973 761947
• Julia Smith-Butlin - Unit Manager Wansbeck – ext. 139063
• Jill Gascoigne – Unit Manager NTGH – 0191 349 9671
• Vicky Mallon - Unit Manager Hexham – ext. 112192
• Tracey McCann - Unit Manager Alnwick - 01665 626794

Patient information leaflets

Information following gastroscopy with throat spray

Information following gastroscopy with sedation

Information following colonoscopy