Endoscopy allows the oesophagus, stomach and bowel to be examined directly from the inside, so that diseases can be detected early and sometimes treated during the same examination.
Screening
Preventing bowel cancer is a priority in our practice. Colonoscopy allows bowel cancer and its precursors to be detected and treated early, at a stage when the chances of cure are good. Screening is generally recommended from the age of 50.
Gastroscopy
Examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It helps detect inflammation, ulcers and tumours, for example with frequent heartburn, reflux, upper abdominal pain, chronic cough or blood in vomit.
Colonoscopy
Examination of the large bowel with a thin, flexible endoscope fitted with a camera and light. It shows, for example, whether the bowel lining is inflamed (as in Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or has changed.
Proctoscopy
Examination of the anal canal with a short, rigid instrument. It is done lying comfortably on your side without sedation and also allows small procedures such as rubber band treatment of haemorrhoids.