Endoscopy

Our endoscopy units are among the busiest departments in our hospitals, treating outpatients, inpatients and emergency cases. 

When you arrive you will be checked into the unit and a nurse will go through a few health questions. Your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels in the blood will be taken. If you are having  an examination of your gullet and stomach you will not need to get changed.  For all the other tests you will be asked to change into a dressing gown, you may wish to bring your own. After the test if you have had sedation then you will be taken out of the theatre on a trolley into the recovery area  to rest. After a short time you will be able to have a drink and something to eat. You will need someone to take you home and stay with you for the next 24 hours. Please read all the information sent to you carefully.

Procedures performed include:

Gastroscopy - an examination using a long flexible instrument (endoscope) which is passed through into the mouth, down the gullet into the stomach and duodenum. This procedure takes approximately five minutes. 

Colonoscopy - an examination that allows the doctor to look directly at the lining of the large bowel (colon). The long flexible tube is inserted into the back passage (rectum). It is then passed around the entire length of the colon and pictures are displayed on a television screen. This test can be uncomfortable so a sedative can be given or gas and air used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The test take on avergae 20-30 minutes, but you should anticipate being in the department all morning if your appointment is before 12 o'clock or all afternoon if your appointment is after this time.

Sigmoidoscopy – an examination of the lower part of the bowel, (sigmoid colon and rectum). The flexible tube will be inserted into the back passage and gently pushed around the lower part of the large bowel. This also looks at the lining of the lower part of the bowel. This takes approximately 10 minutes.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - a procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and x-rays to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. Your bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from your liver to your gallbladder and duodenum.

Cystoscopy - an examination using the long flexible tube (cystoscope) is passed though the urethra to inspect the prostate gland (if you’re a man) and the bladder wall. The doctor will apply some anaesthetic jelly to the urethra to make the procedure more comfortable. This procedure takes approximately five minutes.

Bronchoscopy/EBUS - These are procedure's in which a flexible tube called a bronchoscope (or an EBUS scope) is inserted into the airways through the nose or mouth to provide a view of the tracheobronchial tree. It can also be used to collect bronchial and/or lung secretions and to perform tissue biopsy.

Different procedures require different preparation but information will be sent out prior to the test. The endoscopy departments are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with occasional lists on Saturday and Sunday. Also provided is an emergency on-call service.

Calderdale Royal Hospital: The nearest car park to the new Endoscopy Unit is at the Godfrey Road Entrance. From the car park the Endoscopy Unit is located to the right of the main hospital building. If accessing the new unit from the main hospital entrance please ask a volunteer who will give you  directions.

Huddersfield Royal infirmary: Via the main entrance, down to basement level, near to the Day Surgery Unit and Surgical Outpatients Unit.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Endoscopy Unit:  01484 355862 Calderdale Royal Hospital Endoscopy Unit: 01422 223920