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Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure used to see inside your body so doctors can investigate unusual symptoms, perform certain types of surgery, or remove a small sample of tissue for further analysis.
Having an endoscopy
The endoscopy service is located within the Day Surgery Unit at Barnsley Hospital.
You will usually be referred to us by your hospital consultant after your outpatient appointment where your need for an endoscopy will have been discussed with you.
An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube, called an endoscope, to diagnose or treat a condition within the gastrointestinal tract. It was developed as a diagnostic tool but has become a means of performing procedures which at one time, would have required surgical intervention.
The majority of endoscopic procedures are performed as day cases with local anaesthesia or conscious sedation. The advantages of this over surgery include avoiding the risks and complications of general anaesthesia, prevention of inpatient hospital stays and reducing the risk of patients acquiring infections.
On arrival, your admission nurse will explain what will happen during your stay. You will be asked about your past medical history, present medicine, any allergies that you may have and your arrangements for going home. Do not hesitate to ask the nurse or endoscopist (the doctor) if there is anything about which you are uncertain. Shortly before the test you will change into your nightwear and dressing gown.
Sedation is not routinely given for our endoscopy procedures. If you feel you may need sedation, please inform your admission nurse who will pass this information to the endoscopist undertaking the procedure.
If you have any problems regarding transport please contact the appointments centre on 01226 434343 at least 48 hours before your admission date.
Get in touch
Call us on
01226 432944
After your procedure
After the procedure, the endoscopist will be able to tell you what was seen at examination. However, if biopsies have been taken, the results may take several days. You will then be taken to the ward recovery area where the nursing team will care for you until you feel well enough to go home. You will be given all the medication and information you need for once you get home and what to do if you have any further concerns.