Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. A long, flexible tube (colonoscope) with a tiny video camera at the tip is inserted into the rectum. This allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during a colonoscopy. Polyps or other abnormal growths can also be removed immediately through the scope. 

A colonoscopic examination is the gold standard for the detection of polyps and colorectal cancer screening, and can be done as a daycare procedure.

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract (the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum) using an endoscope — a long, thin, flexible tube containing a camera and a light — to view the lining of these organs. It is usually done to investigate the cause of symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting or bleeding from the digestive tract, and to make or confirm a diagnosis. Gastroscopy can be done as a daycare procedure.

Endoscopic mucosal resection

This involves injecting a solution underneath the lesion to ‘lift’ it off the muscle layer of the colon, allowing the deployment of snare wire and application of cautery to remove the polyp.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection

This is an endoscopic technique of removing larger polyps that are not suitable for removal using the standard forceps or snare cautery. A dedicated endoscope and cutting device is used to perform a precise excision of the lesion without penetration into the deeper layers of the muscle wall. Selected early cancers of the colon may be amenable to this form of treatment. Do check with our specialists to see if this is an option.