Colonoscopy / gastroscopy

These procedures use cameras to examine the internal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy are the two most common types of endoscopies. These are usually performed under sedation, but a general anaesthetic can be offered if necessary. 

Scheduling your surgery

To schedule an endoscopy, you’ll need to be referred by your GP. Ask your GP to refer you directly to Richard Flint and I will be in touch to set up an initial consultation.

Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible tube to examine your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. This procedure is used to check the health of your gut when you have the following symptoms:

  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Heartburn not responsive to medication
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Vomiting, especially blood
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Black, tar-like bowel motions
  • Unexplained weight loss

Typical pathologies found include oesophagitis, hiatal hernias, ulcers or digestive conditions such as coeliac disease.

    Colonoscopy

    A colonoscopy involves using a slim, flexible tube with a small camera on the end to look inside your bowel. This is used to check the health of your bowel when you have the following symptoms:

    • Blood loss from the bowel (aka rectal bleeding).
    • A change of bowel habit, such as ongoing diarrhoea.
    • Low abdominal pain that may suggest inflammation of the colon.
    • To check for polyps.
    • To re-examine the colon after a polyp, or cancer, has been removed and to check that no new growths have developed.
    • To check those who have a family history of bowel cancer or a genetic condition that predisposes them to cancer.
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      Colonoscopy and gastroscopy

      Click the sections below to watch videos and learn more about each surgery.

      1. Gastroscopy

      2. Colonoscopy

      More about colonoscopy and gastroscopy

      What to expect

      • During your consultation We’ll review your medical history together and discuss the symptoms you’re having to help me determine the severity of the situation and determine the best course of action.
      • After your consultation We’ll book you in for your procedure and provide detailed pre-op information and instructions to make sure you fully understand what to expect on the day of the procedure, including a detailed outline of your planned post-op care.

      Patient information for colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures

      Download our pre- and post-op patient guides for more information on what to expect during the process. Please note, these are general information brochures. When you are booked in for your procedure, you’ll receive any personalised information and details about your specific situation.

      If you have unusual abdominal or bowel pain, I may be able to help.

      Ask your GP to refer you to Richard Flint or get in touch with me to discuss your options.

      Get in touch

      FAQs