Colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

The test involves looking at your large bowel (colon) with a narrow flexible tube called a colonoscope (scope). The scope is inserted through the back passage (bottom) and passed around
the bowel. The procedure is performed by, or under the supervision of, a trained doctor or nurse (endoscopist). A light and camera at the end of the scope relay pictures onto a
television screen. Carbon dioxide is used to inflate the bowel and help the endoscopist see better.

Samples of tissue (biopsies) may be taken during the test. This is done through the scope. It does not cause any pain and the samples are kept to be looked at under a microscope in the
laboratory. Photographs may also be taken for your medical records and may be used for teaching purposes.

The procedure generally takes about 30 to 40 minutes but may take up to an hour.

What are the benefits of having a colonoscopy?

If you have been troubled by symptoms, the cause may be found and help decide if you need treatment or further tests.

If a polyp is found this can often be removed during the procedure.

Colonoscopy may be done as a follow up inspection if you have had a polyp in the past or other disease of the large bowel.

If a scan or x-ray has suggested there may be something wrong in the large bowel, a colonoscopy allows a closer look at the area.

What are the risks of the procedure?

Complications are rare. These may be linked to the procedure itself or the sedation medicine.

Perforation or tear of the bowel (about 1 for every 1,500 cases). If this happens you may need an operation.

Bleeding may happen where a biopsy is taken or a polyp removed (about 1 for every 150 cases). This can happen up to two weeks after the procedure. It usually stops on its own but may
need cauterisation or injection treatment. In some cases a blood transfusion may be needed.

There is a small chance that a polyp or cancer may not be seen (about 5 in every 100 cases). This might be because the bowel was not completely empty or, on rare occasions, that the
endoscopist missed seeing it.

There is also a small chance (about 10 in every 100 cases) that the endoscopist may not be able to pass the scope along the entire length of the bowel and a different investigation will be
needed.

Sedation can sometimes cause problems with breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. If any of these problems do occur, they are usually short lived. Careful monitoring by a specially trained
endoscopy nurse means that potential problems are picked up early and dealt with quickly.

In extremely rare cases the procedure can lead to death. Current evidence suggests that this may happen in around one out of every 10,000 procedures.

What are the alternatives?

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is another way to look at the large bowel. This is carried out in the x-ray department and involves radiation exposure. The test has limitations. If something
abnormal is seen in the large bowel, a colonoscopy may still be needed to look at the area

Preparing for the investigation

To reduce the risk of complications and to give clear views, your stomach and bowel must be empty. You will have been prescribed a laxative medication (also called ‘bowel preparation’)
which will cause you to pass watery stools. Please read the leaflet that is in the packet of laxative but follow the instructions provided in this booklet for when to take it.  Different medications are used so it is important to follow the instructions for the particular medication prescribed for you.

The instructions are different for a morning or afternoon appointment so please make sure you check your appointment time.

If, since the laxative was prescribed for you, your health has become worse in any way or you feel you will not be able to drink the amount of fluid advised, please contact the endoscopy
department before you start taking it.

Please make sure you read all of the instructions for your particular appointment and laxative a few days before your appointment. It is important that you follow the instructions given, especially the amount of fluid you should drink, as the laxative can cause you to become dehydrated.

Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness or light-headedness (particularly on standing up), thirst, headache or reduced urine production (passing less water).

How long will I be in the Endoscopy department?

Overall you may expect to be in the department for one to three hours. The department deals with emergency patients too and they will take priority if needed.

What if I take regular medication?

If any of your regular medication needs to be stopped before the procedure, the person who booked the test should have discussed this with you. Most medication should be continued as
normal, however, you must try to take it at least one hour before or after the laxative. If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill you should take other precautions for the week following your
test.

If you are taking iron tablets you should stop these 5 days before the procedure. If you are taking Fybogel, Regulan, Proctofibe, Loperamide (Imodium), Lomotil or Codeine, please stop taking
these 3 days before.

If you rely on strong pain killers which cause you to become constipated and you would find it difficult to stop them before the test, please speak to your GP as you may need a regular laxative
for a few days before you start taking the bowel preparation.

Blood thinning medications (anticoagulants)

Sometimes these medications need to be stopped and if this is the case the person who referred you for the test should have given you clear instructions. If you are unsure please contact
your consultant’s secretary. For your safety, if the correct instructions are not followed, it may not be possible to do the colonoscopy and you may have to return on another day.

Warfarin: Unless you have been advised to stop this medication, continue taking it and have your INR checked within the week before the test. The procedure may be cancelled if your
INR has not been checked within the last seven days. It should be within your target range. If you have been advised to stop your Warfarin you should do so for five full days before the procedure
and have your INR checked the day before the procedure. It needs to be less than 1.5 for the procedure to go ahead. Please bring your yellow book to the appointment.

Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban or Edoxoban: Please do not take on the morning of the procedure. If you have been advised to stop taking this medication you should do so for two full days before the procedure.

Clopidogrel (Plavix), Prasugrel or Ticagrelor: These medications can generally be continued but if you have been advised to stop you should do so for five full days before the procedure.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes controlled by insulin or tablets, please make sure the endoscopy appointments team is aware so that a morning appointment can be arranged for you if possible. You will find more advice further down this page.

What happens when I arrive?

When you arrive for your appointment please book in at reception. It is our aim for you to be seen as soon as possible after your arrival. However, if the department is very busy your
appointment may be delayed. The department looks after emergency patients who will be seen first if needed.

A nurse will take you through to the admission room and ask you about your general health to check if you are fit to have the procedure. You will also be asked about your plans for getting
home afterwards.

The nurse will make sure you understand the procedure and discuss any further concerns or questions you may have. If you have not already done so and you are happy to go ahead, you
will be asked to sign your consent form.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked and you will be asked to remove your lower clothes and put on a hospital gown.

A cannula (small plastic tube) will be inserted into a vein so that medication can be given during the procedure (sometimes this is done in the procedure room).

If you have sedation for the procedure you will not be able to drive afterwards and it is advisable not to use public transport. It is essential that you arrange for someone to collect you. Please give the nurse their telephone number so that we can ring them when you are ready to go home.

What will happen during the procedure?

The nurse will take you through to the procedure room where you will be able to ask any final questions. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your upper arm (this will be checked regularly
throughout the procedure) and an oxygen monitoring probe on your finger. You will be asked to lie on your side with your knees bent. You will receive oxygen through the nose and if you are
having sedation it will be given into the cannula in your vein.

The endoscopist will usually examine your back passage with a gloved finger before inserting the scope. The bowel has natural bends which may cause some discomfort or tummy ache but this
is usually well tolerated and should not last long. You may also feel bloated due to the gas that is used.

You may be asked to change your position during the procedure as this can help with the passage of the scope.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure you will be taken through to the recovery area where you will be allowed to rest. Your heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure will continue to be monitored and when
the recovery nurse feels you are ready you will be able to get dressed. You will be given a drink and a biscuit before the cannula is removed.

Before you leave the department the nurse or doctor will explain the findings and if any medication or further tests are required.

Conscious sedation

Conscious sedation is often given for this procedure to improve your comfort and is generally administered with a pain killer into a vein in your hand or arm. This will not make you go to sleep but should help you feel more relaxed.

It is important that you are awake for the procedure so that you can change position if required and tell us if you feel any discomfort.

Some people prefer not to have a sedative or pain killer for the test. If you wish to start the procedure without intravenous medication you may do so. It can be administered part way
through the test if you feel you need it. Because it is given into the vein, it works within a few minutes.

‘Gas and Air’ (Nitrous Oxide) is also available for pain relief. This is a gas that you inhale through a mouthpiece and can be used in addition to, or instead of, medication into the vein. If you have
Nitrous Oxide you will need to wait for at least 30 minutes before you can return to normal activities such as driving. If you would like more information please ask the admitting nurse.

Please note if you have sedation into the vein, you will need someone to accompany you home and stay for at least four hours and if possible overnight. You are not allowed to take part in the following activities for 24 hours afterwards:

• Driving a vehicle
• Going to work
• Looking after children on your own
• Operating heavy / dangerous machinery
• Drinking alcohol
• Signing of legally binding documents.

What happens if a polyp is found?

A polyp is an overgrowth of cells on the inner lining of the bowel. Polyps may be raised on a stalk like a mushroom (pedunculated) or flat (sessile). Polyps are generally removed or sampled (biopsied) by the endoscopist as they could grow over time and cause problems in the future. This does not cause any pain.

Polypectomy (removal of a polyp)

Polyps with a stalk are usually removed using a wire loop (snare) which is placed around the stalk. Heat is passed through the wire which cuts through and cauterises any blood vessels. Flat polyps
are often removed by injecting the tissue around the polyp with fluid to raise the area away from the deeper layers. A hot wire snare is then used to remove the polyp.

Smaller polyps may be removed with a cold wire snare or pinched off the bowel wall with forceps. Polyps are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under a microscope. Your consultant
may write to you with the results or give them to you at your next clinic appointment if you have one. You may also contact your GP. Routine results are usually available within two to four weeks but can sometimes take a little longer

What are the risks of removing polyps?

After removal of a polyp there is a risk of bleeding and/or a hole forming in the bowel wall while the area heals. The healing process can take up to two weeks. It is advisable not to travel
abroad for this period if large polyps are removed. Please tell the nurse or doctor if you have plans for travel after your procedure.

In most cases you can resume normal activity afterwards but if you have a large polyp removed you may be advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for two weeks to reduce the risk
of complications. It is important to attend the accident and emergency department if you pass any fresh blood or clots (more than a few tablespoons) or if you have severe pain and swelling
in the abdomen (tummy) which persists and does not get better.

Specific instructions for people with diabetes

Treatment with diet alone

If you control your diabetes with diet alone, you simply need to follow the instructions given at the end your colonoscopy booklet to prepare for your colonoscopy.

Treatment with tablets and/or insulin

You should inform the endoscopy appointments team about your diabetes and request a morning appointment. If needed please contact the Specialist Diabetes team for advice on 01522 573074.

Please ensure you follow the bowel preparation instructions given to you in your leaflet and also consider the following advice:

Adjusting your diabetes medication to prevent hypoglycaemia

You may need to adjust your diabetes medicines the evening before and the morning of the procedure to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level). Your blood sugar may be
higher than usual but this is only temporary to maintain your blood sugars during the procedure and you should be back to your usual level within 24 to 48 hours. Please contact the
Diabetes Nursing Team (01522 573074) well in advance of your appointment for advice.

Carrying glucose to treat hypoglcaemia

On the day before and day of the procedure carry glucose tablets in case of hypoglycaemia. As these are absorbed quickly through the tissues of the mouth if sucked, they will not interfere with the
procedure. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar take four to six tablets initially, followed by a further four to six if your blood sugar remains low after 10 minutes

Blood glucose monitoring

If you usually test your blood sugar levels, check them as usual on the morning of the procedure and carry your testing kit with you to the appointment. If you do not usually test your blood, do not worry, your blood sugar will be checked when you arrive for the procedure.

Please report to the nursing staff if you have needed glucose before arriving and inform them immediately if you feel ‘hypo’ at any time during your visit.

If you take tablets for diabetes (no insulin)

The day before the colonoscopy:

• The evening before the procedure aim to replace your usual carbohydrate intake from the list of permitted clear fluids (these can be found in the section on bowel preparation). You can have sugary fluids such as sports drinks, clear apple juice or clear jelly (NOT low sugar).
• If you usually check your own blood sugar monitor this approximately every two hours.
• If you take Metformin do not take it the evening before and the morning of the procedure.

The day of the colonoscopy:

• You should continue to monitor your blood sugar and take clear sugary fluids to maintain your blood glucose level

If you are on insulin

The day before the colonoscopy:

• The evening before the procedure replace your usual carbohydrate intake with sugary fluids from the list given in the bowel preparation section of your colonoscopy leaflet.
• You may need to adjust your insulin dose while taking the bowel preparation to prevent your blood glucose levels dropping too low. If you are unsure how to do this please contact the Specialist Diabetes Nursing Team for advice on 01522 573074.

The day of the colonoscopy:

• You may need to reduce your morning insulin dose.
• You should continue to monitor your blood sugar and take clear sugary fluids to maintain your blood glucose levels.

How to take your bowel preparation (laxative)

The following information gives instructions on how to take each type of bowel preparation. These are different for morning and afternoon appointments. If you have been prescribed KleanPrep
or PLENVU please follow the instructions that are in the packet (for PLENVU follow the two day split dosing schedule), unless you have been given a specific instruction leaflet.

The person who arranged your procedure will have arranged for the most suitable type of bowel preparation. This will cause you to have watery stools so you should stay near a toilet. The
amount of time this takes varies from person to person – it may start working in 30 minutes to 1 hour but it may be several hours before you feel the need to go to the toilet. The second dose
tends to work much more quickly.

If possible, please do not eat seeded bread for three to four days before the procedure as the seeds can take a while to clear from the bowel and make it difficult to get clear views.

If you have problems with long term constipation, taking a laxative for two to three days before you start the bowel preparation medication may help to empty the bowel more effectively.

If you have been given senna in addition to the bowel preparation please take it two days before the procedure i.e. the evening before you start taking the bowel preparation medication.

It may be advisable to have some incontinence pads available for your own comfort whilst taking your bowel preparation.

Barrier cream may help to prevent soreness.

If you are having a gastroscopy procedure at the same appointment as your colonoscopy you may drink water up to two hours before your appointment time.

If you have any problems or concerns after taking the bowel preparation or you are worried about any symptoms you experience after the colonoscopy, you may ring the enquiry
numbers on the front cover of this booklet. Out of hours please contact the NHS non-emergency service on 111

When to take PICOLAX/CITRAFLEET (Sodium Picosulfate)

If your appointment is between 8.00 am and 1.00 pm

The day before the procedure

For your meals the day before procedure choose only foods from the following list: Do not eat after 1.30 pm.

• Milk, plain yoghurt, cheese, eggs, butter, margarine
• White fish or chicken – boiled, steamed or grilled (not fried)
• White bread, pitta, rice, pasta. Chapattis made with white flour
• Clear soups – no bits
• Plain ice cream (any flavour – no fruit or nut pieces)
• Clear jelly, boiled sweets, chocolate (no fruit or nut pieces)
• Salt, pepper, sugar, sweeteners, honey, marmite

You MUST NOT EAT red meat, pink fish (e.g. salmon), fruit, vegetables, salad, potatoes, granary, seeded or brown bread, brown or wild rice, brown pasta, pickles or chutneys.

From 1.30 pm do not eat any more solid food until after the examination. However it is important that you drink plenty of fluid as follows:

Drink at least one large glass (approx. 250ml) of clear fluid (see list below) every hour from 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Check times:
( ) 1 pm ( ) 2 pm ( ) 3 pm ( ) 4 pm ( ) 5 pm
( ) 6 pm ( ) 7 pm ( ) 8 pm ( ) 9 pm

You may drink any of the following: tea and coffee (with only a small amount of milk), herbal teas, water, squash, fizzy drinks, sports drinks, meat extract drinks (e.g. Bovril or Oxo), vegetable
bouillon, very clear soups (no bits) clear apple juice (no other fruit juice is permitted), clear jelly.

Take one sachet between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm.

Mix the contents of the sachet with approximately 150ml of cold water and stir for two to three minutes before drinking. Do not worry if the solution becomes warm or hot – allow it to cool a little before drinking.

The morning of the procedure

Do not eat any solid food until after the examination.

Take the second sachet at 5.00 am

Mix the sachet as before. If your appointment is around 9.00 am and you have a distance to travel you may wish to take this a little earlier (do not take before 3.00 am).

You must continue to drink plenty of fluid from the list given – start at 6.00 am and drink at least 250ml every hour up to two hours before your appointment, then stop drinking until after the test.

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE DAYS YOU TAKE THE PICOLAX OR CITRAFLEET

The solution will cause you to pass watery stools so you should stay near a toilet.

Take your usual medication (unless you have been advised to stop it) at least one hour before or after you take the bowel preparation. If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill you
should take other precautions for one week after the test

When to take PICOLAX OR CITRAFLEET (Sodium Picosulfate)

If your appointment is after 1.00 pm

The day before the procedure

For your meals the day before the procedure choose only foods from the following list: Do not eat after 4.00 pm.

• Milk, plain yoghurt, cheese, eggs, butter, margarine
• White fish or chicken – boiled, steamed or grilled (not fried)
• White bread, pitta, rice, pasta. Chapattis made with white flour
• Clear soups – no bits
• Plain ice cream (any flavour – no fruit or nut pieces)
• Clear jelly, boiled sweets, chocolate (no fruit or nut pieces)
• Salt, pepper, sugar, sweeteners, Honey, marmite

You MUST NOT EAT red meat, pink fish (e.g. salmon), fruit, vegetables, salad, potatoes, granary, seeded or brown bread, brown or wild rice, brown pasta, pickles or chutneys.

From 4.00 pm do not eat any more solid food until after the examination. However it is important that you drink plenty of fluids as follows:

Drink at least one large glass (approx. 250ml) of clear fluid (see list below) every hour from 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Check times:
( ) 1 pm ( ) 2 pm ( ) 3 pm ( ) 4 pm ( ) 5 pm
( ) 6 pm ( ) 7 pm ( ) 8 pm ( ) 9 pm

You may drink any of the following: tea and coffee (with only a small amount of milk), herbal teas, water, squash, fizzy drinks, sports drinks, meat extract drinks (e.g. Bovril or Oxo), vegetable
bouillon, very clear soups (no bits) clear apple juice (no other fruit juice is permitted), clear jelly.

Take the first sachet at 6.00 pm.

Mix the contents of the sachet with approximately 150ml of cold water and stir for two to three minutes before drinking. Do not worry if the solution becomes warm or hot – allow it to cool a little before drinking.

The morning of the procedure

Do not eat any solid food until after the examination. Take the second sachet at 9.00 am.

Mix the sachet as before.

You must continue to drink plenty of fluid from the list given – start at 8.00 am and drink at least 250ml every hour up to two hours before your appointment, then stop drinking until after the test.

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE DAYS YOU TAKE THE PICOLAX OR CITRAFLEET

The solution will cause you to pass watery stools so you should stay near a toilet.

Take your usual medication (unless you have been advised to stop it) at least one hour before or after you take the bowel preparation. If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill you
should take other precautions for one week after the test.

When to take MOVIPREP

If your appointment is between 8.00 am and 1.00 pm

The day before the procedure

For your meals the day before the procedure choose only foods from the following list: Do not eat after 1.30 pm

• Milk, plain yoghurt, cheese, eggs, butter, margarine
• White fish or chicken – boiled, steamed or grilled (not fried)
• White bread (no seeds), pitta, rice, pasta
• Chapattis made with white flour
• Clear soups – no bits
• Plain ice cream (any flavour – no fruit or nut pieces)
• Clear jelly, boiled sweets, chocolate (no fruit or nut pieces)
• Salt, pepper, sugar, sweeteners, honey, marmite

Do not eat anything after 1.30 pm, but drink plenty of clear fluid from the following list: tea and coffee (with only a small amount of milk), herbal teas, water, squash, fizzy drinks, sports
drinks, meat extract drinks (e.g. Bovril or Oxo), vegetable bouillon, very clear soups (no bits) clear apple juice (no other fruit juice is permitted), clear jelly.

At 5.00 pm
Make up the first litre of Moviprep and drink it over one to two hours. See below for instructions on how to prepare Moviprep).

It is important to drink an additional 500ml of clear fluids during the evening (choose from the list above).

The day of the procedure

Do not eat anything solid until after the procedure.

At 5.00 am make up and drink the second litre of Moviprep over one to two hours. If your appointment is at 9.00am and you have a distance to travel you may wish to take this a little earlier (do not take before 3.00 am). It is important to drink an additional 500ml of clear fluids (from the list above) during the morning up to two hours before your appointment, then stop drinking until after the test.

Once again you will have watery bowel movements which will stop after one to two hours. Allow two hours for the Moviprep to work after finishing the second litre, before leaving for your
appointment.

How to prepare MOVIPREP

Step 1

• Each box of Moviprep contains two sealed plastic bags.
• Each plastic bag contains one sachet marked A and one
  sachet marked B.
• Open one plastic bag and remove sachets A and B.
• Pour the contents of one sachet A and one sachet B into a jug. Adding lukewarm water make up to one litre and stir until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear
  or slightly hazy. Cordial may be added (not blackcurrant). If you wish, make up ahead of time and chill in the fridge. The reconstituted solution must be used within 24 hours. Some
  people find it easier to drink it through a straw.

Step 2

• Drink one glassful (250ml) of the Moviprep every 15 to 30 minutes until you have drunk it all (taking about one to two hours).
• Take your time, there is no need to rush.
• You should also drink an additional 500ml of water or clear
  fluids with each litre of Moviprep taken.

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE DAYS YOU TAKE THE MOVIPREP

The solution will cause you to pass watery stools so you should stay near a toilet.

Take your usual medication (unless you have been advised to stop it) at least one hour before or after you take the bowel preparation. If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill you
should take other precautions for one week after the test.

When to take MOVIPREP

If your appointment is after 1.00 pm

The day before the procedure

For your meals the day before the procedure choose only foods
from the following list: Do not eat after 4.00 pm.

• Milk, plain yoghurt, cheese, eggs, butter, margarine
• White fish or chicken – boiled, steamed or grilled (not fried)
• White bread (no seeds), pitta, rice, pasta
• Chapattis made with white flour
• Clear soups – no bits
• Plain ice cream (any flavour – no fruit or nut pieces)
• Clear jelly, boiled sweets, chocolate (no fruit or nut pieces)
• Salt, pepper, sugar, sweeteners, honey, marmite.

Do not eat anything after 4.00 pm but drink plenty of clear fluid from the following list: tea and coffee (with only a small amount of milk), herbal teas, water, squash, fizzy drinks, sports
drinks, meat extract drinks (e.g. Bovril or Oxo), vegetable bouillon, very clear soups (no bits) clear apple juice (no other fruit juice is permitted), clear jelly.

At 6.00 pm

Make up the first litre of Moviprep and drink it over one to two hours, see below for instructions on how to prepare Moviprep.

It is important to drink an additional 500ml of clear fluids during the evening (choose from the list above). Do not eat
anything solid until after the procedure.

The day of the procedure

At 9.00 am make up and drink the second litre of Moviprep over one to two hours. If your appointment is early in the afternoon and you have a distance to travel, you may wish to take it a little earlier.

It is important to drink an additional 500ml of clear fluids during the morning (from the list opposite) up to two hours before your appointment, then stop drinking until after the test.

Once again you will have watery bowel movements which will stop after one to two hours. Allow two hours for the Moviprep to work after finishing the second litre, before leaving for your
appointment.

How to prepare MOVIPREP

Step 1

• Each box of Moviprep contains two sealed plastic bags
• Each plastic bag contains one sachet marked A and one sachet marked B
• Open one plastic bag and remove sachets A and B
•  Pour the contents of one sachet A and one sachet B into a jug. Adding lukewarm water make up to one litre and stir until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear
  or slightly hazy. Cordial may be added (not blackcurrant). If you wish, make up ahead of time and chill in the fridge. The reconstituted solution should be used within 24 hours. Some
  people find it easier to drink through a straw.

Step 2

• Drink one glassful (250ml) of the Moviprep every 15 to 30 minutes until you have drunk it all (taking about one to two hours). Take your time, there is no need to rush.
• You should also drink an additional 500ml of water or clear fluids with each litre of Moviprep taken.

PLEASE DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE DAYS YOU TAKE THE MOVIPREP

The solution will cause you to pass watery stools so you should stay near a toilet.

Take your usual medication (unless you have been advised to stop it) at least one hour before or after you take the bowel preparation. If you are taking the oral contraceptive pill you
should take other precautions for one week after the test.

What must I remember?

• If you are unable to keep your appointment please notify the endoscopy department as soon as possible.
• Follow the instructions for taking the bowel preparation you have been given. If you are unsure please contact the endoscopy unit.
• It is our aim for you to be seen as soon as possible after your arrival. However, the department is very busy and your appointment may be delayed. If emergencies occur, these
  patients will be seen before less urgent cases.
•  If you have sedation please arrange for someone to collect you and for someone to stay overnight if possible.
• The hospital cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property during your time on the premises.
  If you have any questions or concerns about any of the information given here or in your booklet, please contact the endoscopy unit directly.

Frequently asked questions

Vending machines in the waiting area?

Unfortunately due to patient starvation for procedures this is not possible. However, food and drink facilities are available nearby within the hospital.

More sedation?

We work to national guidelines depending on age and health. The sedation will not make you sleep but helps to make you feel relaxed.

Can I return to work after the procedure?

Patients who opt-out of sedation can return to work if they feel fit and able. If sedation is chosen then it is advised that they do not return to work for 24 hours afterwards.

What about the risk from COVID-19?

The Trust understands that people have concerns about coming into hospitals during COVID-19 and several measures have been put in place to ensure your safety and minimise risk. If you have
any specific concerns please contact the endoscopy department directly.