Tests and procedures
What each test is for, how to prepare, what happens on the day and how you will feel afterwards.
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Upper GI endoscopyA thin camera looks at the food pipe, stomach and duodenum. About 10 minutes.10 minThroat sprayUpper GI endoscopyBeforeNothing to eat for 6–8 hours. Bring your medicine list.DuringA thin, flexible camera passes through the mouth to look at the food pipe, stomach and duodenum.AfterRest for about 30 minutes. Eat once the throat numbness wears off.Full guide
ColonoscopyChecks the large bowel for bleeding, polyps and inflammation.20–30 minSedation givenColonoscopyBeforeLight diet and a bowel-cleansing drink the day before.DuringA flexible camera checks the whole large bowel; small polyps can be removed at the same time.AfterHome the same day with someone to accompany you. Normal food by evening.Full guide
FibroScanA painless scan that measures liver fat and stiffness in minutes.10 minNone neededFibroScanBeforeNothing to eat for 3 hours.DuringA probe on the skin over the liver measures fat and stiffness. No needles, no pain.AfterResults on the spot; carry on with your day.Full guide
ERCPClears stones and blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts.30–60 minDeep sedationERCPBeforeNothing to eat for 8 hours. Blood tests beforehand.DuringAn endoscope reaches the bile and pancreatic ducts to clear stones or open blockages under X-ray.AfterShort observation, usually a few hours to overnight.Full guide
Endoscopic ultrasoundUltrasound from inside the gut for the pancreas and bile ducts.20–45 minSedation givenEndoscopic ultrasoundBeforeNothing to eat for 6–8 hours.DuringAn ultrasound probe on the endoscope images the pancreas, bile ducts and nearby organs from inside.AfterRest for about an hour before going home.Full guide
PolypectomyRemoves polyps during colonoscopy, before they can become a problem.During colonoscopySedation givenPolypectomyBeforeSame preparation as colonoscopy.DuringPolyps are removed painlessly with a tiny snare and sent for testing.AfterAvoid heavy lifting for a day or two; report any bleeding.Full guide
SigmoidoscopyA shorter look at the lower bowel, often without sedation.10–15 minUsually noneSigmoidoscopyBeforeA small enema before the test.DuringA short flexible camera checks the rectum and lower bowel.AfterBack to normal activities straight away.Full guide
Variceal banding & glueTreats swollen veins in the food pipe and stomach to prevent bleeding.15–30 minSedation givenVariceal banding & glueBeforeNothing to eat for 6–8 hours.DuringSwollen veins in the food pipe or stomach are tied off with small bands or sealed with glue.AfterSoft food for a day; follow-up sessions may be needed.Full guide
Achievements
4.9117 Google reviews
10,000+
Endoscopies
5,000+
Colonoscopies
100+
ERCPs
12+
Years in practice
Preparing for a test?
Printable, step-by-step guides you can keep on the fridge.
- Preparing for your upper GI endoscopyA good preparation makes the test safer and quicker, and lets the doctor see clearly. Follow this guide along with any instructions the clinic gives you; if anything is different, the clinic’s instructions come first.
- Preparing for your colonoscopyThe doctor can only see the bowel clearly if it is completely clean, so a good preparation is the most important part of a colonoscopy. Follow this guide along with the clinic’s instructions; if anything is different, the clinic’s instructions come first.
Book a 15‑minute visit
At the clinic or online, Monday to Saturday. Pick a time and the front desk will confirm.