Overview of the Endoscopy Unit

The Endoscopy Department has a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for both inpatients and out patients attending the hospital. These are designed to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes. Our facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure high-quality care and patient comfort. Key procedures provided include:

• Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (OGD): Examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This is use to diagnose issues such as ulcers, inflammation, and tumours.
• Colonoscopy: Scope from the anus (BP) to the end of your large bowel (caecum), vital for screening and diagnosing colorectal conditions, including polyps and cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum). It is often performed to investigate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. It is also used to screen for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
• Proctoscopy: Examination of the rectum and lower part of the colon using a self-lighting proctoscope. It is used to investigate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel habits. It can help evaluate conditions affecting the anal and rectal areas.
• Bronchoscopy: Examination of the airways and lungs. It is useful for diagnosing respiratory conditions or infections

Each procedure is performed by our highly skilled medical professionals. They use state of the art equipment, ensuring both safety and precision. Patients are offered sedation for all the tests. Full nursing care is given to the sedated patient following the Aldrete sedated patient care plan.

The Team

Our Endoscopy Unit has a skilled nursing team led by a Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM2). They work in collaboration with the Theatre Department's CNM3. The team consists of:

• Surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Pulmonologists
• Triage CNM2 and Validation CNM2
• Scope Validation Nurse
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Endoscopy Nurses
• Multi-Task Attendants

Our Aim

Our main goal is to provide the highest standard of time critical patient centred care, in line with the hospital’s aim of delivering safe, high-quality, person-centered services to patients and their families. We focus on excellence and patient comfort, making the Endoscopy Department a key part of our healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor passes a thin and flexible tube through the anus (back passage). This allows for examination of the large bowel, also know as the colon. The doctor can then check your colon for a number of conditions (e.g. inflammation, narrowing, polyps, haemorrhoids, and bowl cancer). During the procedure, biopsies (small pieces of tissue) may be taken for further examination in the laboratory and polyps may be removed.

What is an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD)?

An OGD (also known as an upper endoscopy) is a procedure used to examine the lining of your esophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (first part of your intestine). It is performed with a scope that is passed through the mouth. This allows the doctor to check your esophagus, stomach and duodenum for a number of conditions (e.g. ulcers, inflammation, and cancer). During this procedure, biopsies (small pieces of tissue) may be taken for further examination.

During and After the Procedure

We will give you a Patient Consent Form and Information Leaflet. These will detail the recommendations and expectations during and after the procedure.

The following video from the HSE provides an overview of the preparation of a colonoscopy.

Further Details

Further information is available from the dedicated HSE Endoscopy page.