What is a gastroscopy and colonoscopy?

These tests allow the doctor to look inside the upper and lower parts of your digestive system.

Gastroscopy: a test where a long flexible telescope (gastroscope) about the thickness of your index finger, with a bright light at its tip is carefully passed through your mouth allowing the doctor to look directly at the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and small bowel (duodenum)

Colonoscopy: a test which allows the doctor to look directly at the lining of your large bowel (colon). A long flexible telescope (colonoscope), about the thickness of your index finger, with a bright light at its tip is carefully passed through the bottom (anus) to the caecum and the end of your small intestine.

Both the gastroscope and colonoscope have a video camera, which transmits pictures of the inside of the digestive tract to a monitor, so that the doctor can look for any abnormalities. The doctor may take a biopsy. This is a sample of the lining of the digestive tract, which can be looked at under a microscope. A small piece of tissue is removed painlessly through the scope, using tiny biopsy forceps. It is also possible to remove polyps during the procedure. Polyps are abnormal projections of tissue, rather like mushrooms, which can sometimes bleed or become cancerous. If polyps are removed they will be sent for further tests.

What preparation will I need for my gastroscopy and colonoscopy? 

Your stomach and bowel must be completely empty of waste material (faeces) for the doctor to have a clear view. If it is not, the procedure may have to be repeated. 

Seven days before your gastroscopy and colonoscopy 

It is important that you follow the dietary and medication instructions provided in the information leaflet: ‘Bowel preparation for colonoscopy’

NB if you feel unable to comply with any of the instructions, please contact the Endoscopy Suite

Day of gastroscopy and colonoscopy 

Unless you are told otherwise, please stop drinking clear fluids THREE HOURS before your appointment at the hospital.

What should I bring on the day?

 If you are diabetic, please bring your insulin or tablets with you. If you use reading glasses, please bring them with you so that you can read the consent form and any other paperwork. You are welcome to bring a book or other reading material.

When you arrive 

When you arrive at the hospital, please make your way to Endoscopy Reception (ground floor Granard House Wing). If you need wheelchair access, please enter the hospital by the Wallace Wing entrance on Dovehouse Street. On arrival you may be asked to go for a blood test in outpatients. Please note: the time of your procedure will be dependent on the results of your blood test. This can take an hour to process but you will be kept informed of the anticipated time of your procedure. When you return, a nurse will take you to the admission area. As we have limited space in the department, only one escort/relative  will be able to come into the admission area. Refreshments are available in the Mulberry Tree Cafe (1st floor).

 In the admission area, a nurse will ask you several questions about your health, your current medication, take your blood pressure and pulse and ask you to change into a gown. The doctor will see you before the procedure. This is the opportunity to discuss the test before you sign a consent form. Please ask any questions you may have. It is important that you understand what is going to happen.