Resources

What are Oesophageal Varices? Oesophageal varices are enlarged veins in the lining of the gullet. They are often caused by liver diseases but can have other causes as well. They are important to treat because they carry a risk of bleeding. What is Banding of Varices?   It is possible to reduce the risk of bleeding […]

What is an oesophageal stent? A stent is a tube made of flexible metal mesh which once in position across the narrowed area of your gullet expands to allow fluid and food to pass through to the stomach more easily. Why do I need an Oesophageal Stent? The results of a previous Gastroscopy test or […]

Your consultant has recommended that you have a flexible sigmoidoscopy to view the left side of your large bowel. What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? The examination is performed using a long flexible instrument (endoscope), about the thickness of your index finger, with a bright light at one end. The endoscope is advanced into the rectum, […]

What is oesophageal dilation? This is where your oesophagus is stretched (dilated) to improve your swallowing. The procedure is usually very straightforward. It will initially involve an endoscopy (gastroscopy) to look at the areas of narrowing (see gastroscopy leaflet). What are benefits of oesophageal dilation? The aim of dilation is to improve your swallowing. This […]

Why have I been provided with this leaflet? A polyp has been found in your stomach and we would recommend removal for precautionary measures. This leaflet explains to you more about your condition and what is involved in its treatment. What is a gastric polyp? A polyp is a small growth that sometimes forms on […]

What was found in my bowel? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What will happen now, when will I get the results of any specimens taken? Please note: You may have been told that you require a further surveillance colonoscopy in the future .i.e. to look for further polyps, a family history of bowel cancer or to assess inflammatory […]

What was found in my gullet and stomach? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What will happen now, when will I get the results of any specimens taken? Please note: You may have been told that you require a further surveillance colonoscopy in the future .i.e. to look for further polyps, a family history of bowel cancer or to […]

Images of Diverticular disease Diverticula Diverticula is the medical term used to describe the small bulges that stick out of the side of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are common and associated with ageing.  The colon becomes weaker with age, and the pressure of hard stools passing through the large intestine is thought to cause the bulges […]

Importance of Bowel Preparation To prepare for your colonoscopy you need to take bowel preparation which cleans your bowel. It is very important to follow the instructions you have been given exactly as the success of your colonoscopy depends on your bowel being as clean as possible.     A clean bowel will allow for a clear […]

This leaflet provides information about how to self-administer a daily subcutaneous injection you need while stopping your warfarin medication for your endoscopy test. The injection is called tinzaparin. The reasons why you need to stop your warfarin medication will have been discussed with you at your preassessment appointment. What is a subcutaneous injection? A subcutaneous […]