Endoscopy Unit facilities
he Endoscopy Unit is located at ground floor of the hospital building. We pride ourselves on providing a service that is timely, informative, efficient and friendly. Our aim is to provide the very highest standards of care to patients and relatives alike ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained at all times.
The Endoscopy Unit at LIGG sees around 120 patients per week for endoscopic examinations and therapeutic procedures of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, billiary system, colon, bladder and lung. The main types of procedures undertaken are: Gastroscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Intra-operative Enteroscopy, Bronchoscopy, PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastroscopy) insertion, changes and removal, Oesophageal and Colonical stenting and ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography).
An endoscope is a flexible tube of varying lengths with a video chip on the end which allows a live video image to be seen on a screen. You will be asked to lie on your side. The doctor will gently put the camera in your mouth and down your throat. Air is blown into your tummy. It might make you burp. This is normal so don’t feel embarrassed. If it feels strange or sore you can ask the doctor to stop.
Your tummy must be empty when you have your endoscopy. You must stop eating 6 hours before your appointment. You must stop drinking milky drinks 6hours before your appointment. Stop drinking clear fluids 2 hours before your appointment. Clear fluids include water, lemonade, black tea, black coffee and herb tea
The unit is open from 8:00am to 10.000 pm every day and also operates an emergency 24–hour GI bleed service.
The facilities on the Unit include: - Toilets, Admission rooms, Changing areas, Levage rooms (for preparation pre-procedure), Recovery Areas, Discharge Area with facilities to provide hot / cold beverages, Interview room for private talks with staff.