Endoscopy Center
Screening helps prevent gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Don’t wait for symptoms to be checked. If you’re 45 or older or at average risk of colon cancer, see your doctor and get screened! We provide a first-class colonoscopy service to investigate problems in the bowel and diagnose conditions affecting the colon.
OUR SERVICES
We provide a first-class colonoscopy service to investigate problems in the bowel and diagnose conditions affecting the colon. Our experienced gastroenterologists and specialized nurses ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Patients can recover and return to their homes on the same day!
Endoscopy & Gastroscopy
Endoscopy is the insertion of a long, thin tube directly into the body to observe an internal organ or tissue in detail. It can also be used to carry out other tasks including imaging and minor surgery. Endoscopes are minimally invasive and can be inserted into the openings of the body such as the mouth or anus. Alternatively, they can be inserted into small incisions, for instance, in the knee or abdomen.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of the large bowel (bowel) using a thin flexible, tube-like telescope called a colonoscope, which is carefully passed through your back passage and into the colon. It is useful for finding out what is causing certain symptoms like abdominal, or as a check-up for some bowel conditions.
The Procedure - Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of the large bowel (bowel) using a thin flexible, tube-like telescope called a colonoscope, which is carefully passed through your back passage and into the colon. It is useful for finding out what is causing certain symptoms like abdominal, or as a check-up for some bowel conditions.
Preparing for Your Treatment
Your first step will be a consultation with a FirstMed primary care doctor to discuss:
- your current health
- regular medications
- family & medical history
- potential symptoms
Further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, may be required prior to your colonoscopy.
Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Aftercare
Following the procedure, you will spend about 30 minutes in our recovery room before going home. If you have had a biopsy or any polyps removed, the samples will sent to an external lab and return to your primary care doctor for review. If you have been sedated for the procedure you will need someone with you to escort you home.
On rare occasions, complications such as fever, bloating, slight rectal bleeding and abdominal pain may occur.
If you experience any of these symptoms please call us straight away
Why Might I Need a Colonoscopy?
Medical professionals recommend that patients over the age of 45 be screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years; earlier and more frequently with a family history of colorectal cancer. It is important to screen for colorectal cancer because pre-cancerous lesions, or polyps, can be removed if identified early — as opposed to other cancers where screening simply looks for early-stage development. A colonoscopy is the single best procedure for detecting colorectal cancer, as polyps can be identified and completely removed before developing into something more serious.
Using a colonoscopy, a doctor can identify diseases of the colon (ulcer, tumor, inflammation, diverticulum, and other abnormalities) based on complaints (stool disorder, abdominal pain, bleeding). When necessary, the doctor can perform histological sampling of the area considered abnormal (biopsy) or conduct certain therapeutic measures – sometimes as a substitute for surgery – with devices introduced through the working canal of the colonoscope (such as suppression of bleeding, foreign body removal, polyp removal, etc.).
A colonoscopy may also be used to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, etc.
Your doctor may use a colonoscopy to investigate new bowel symptoms including:
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Unexplained anemia
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Slime or mucus in the stools
- Suspected polyps
The Procedure - Endoscopy
Endoscopy is the insertion of a long, thin tube directly into the body to observe an internal organ or tissue in detail. It can also be used to carry out other tasks including imaging and minor surgery.
Endoscopes are minimally invasive and can be inserted into the openings of the body such as the mouth or anus.
Alternatively, they can be inserted into small incisions, for instance, in the knee or abdomen.
Preparing for Your Treatment
The procedure usually only takes around 1 hour to complete. The doctor will provide instructions about the preparation for the procedure.
For many types of endoscopy, the individual needs to fast for around 12 hours, though this varies based on the type.
For procedures investigating the gut, laxatives may be taken the night before to clear the system.
A doctor will carry out an examination before the endoscopy. It is important to mention all current medications (including supplements) and any previous procedures.
Aftercare
Recovery will depend on the type of procedure. For an upper endoscopy, which is used to enable a doctor to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, the patient will be observed for some time after the procedure, usually around one hour, while any sedative medication wears off.
The person should not usually work or drive for the rest of the day, because of the sedative effect of the medication used to prevent the pain.
There may be some soreness. With this type of endoscopy, there may be bloating and a sore throat, but these usually resolve quickly.
Why Might I Need a Endoscopy?
Endoscopies are a minimally invasive procedure and are typically recommended to find the cause of digestive issues and symptoms, and in some cases to treat problems including:
- Chronic heartburn or acid reflux
- Screen for colorectal cancer or cancers of the digestive tract
- Biopsy suspicious growths or tissue
- Remove polyps
- Bleeding
- Remove foreign object
