Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the study and treatment of conditions associated with your digestive system ranging from the mouth to the anus and including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.

Consultant gastroenterologists specialise in the movement of material through your stomach and intestine, from the digestion and absorption of nutrients into your body to the removal of waste from your digestive system.

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Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that looks at your colon. It’s normally recommended if you’ve persistent diarrhoea, a change in your bowel movements, bleeding or mucus from your back passage or pains in your lower tummy.

A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible telescopic camera. Your gastroenterologist will request a colonoscopy to look at the lining of your large bowel, also known as the colon and rectum. The colonoscopy is usually done as an outpatient or day case procedure and takes about half an hour. It can be used to find out more about the symptoms you are having, to check for cancer or as part of bowel cancer screening.

Your colonoscopy may confirm conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, bowel polyps and bowel (colorectal) cancer.


Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy, also known as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a procedure that allows your consultant to see inside your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

It’s normally performed as a day case procedure using local anaesthetic. A thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source is passed through your mouth and allows your specialist to see any abnormalities in the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. For example, if there’s any damage to the lining of your oesophagus or stomach or if there are any ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.

Patients often have a gastroscopy examination to investigate their indigestion symptoms.


Endoscopy

An endoscopy allows your consultant to look inside your body using a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and camera, called an endoscope.


Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination used to look inside your rectum and lower part of your bowel. It involves carefully inserting a thin, flexible, tube-like telescope called a sigmoidoscope into your back passage. A flexible sigmoidoscopy test typically takes about 15 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure.

It’s used if you’ve symptoms such as changes in bowel habit or rectal pain to find out their cause and check for inflammation, early signs of cancer and polyps. Biopsies can also be taken during a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam. Polyps may be removed and haemorrhoids treated during the procedure.


LINX procedure

The LINX system is a new treatment option for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a common condition where acid from the stomach leaks up into your oesophagus. Symptoms of GORD include heartburn and an unpleasant taste in the back of your mouth. It’s often caused because the ring of muscle at the bottom of your oesophagus has become weakened.

Laparoscopic insertion of a magnetic bead band (LINX) implants a ring of magnetic beads around the lower part of the oesophagus to strengthen it and help keep it closed when not swallowing and creates a barrier to the reflux of acid and bile.

Please call 01536 614 563 for further advice on available treatments

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the long-term (chronic) inflammation of all or part of your gut (gastrointestinal tract). It is mainly used to describe two conditions: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon (large intestine), while Crohn’s disease can affect all of the digestive system.

There is no cure for these diseases. Treatments, in the form of medicines, aim to alleviate and control symptoms and prevent them from recurring. If you have a severe case of Ulcerative Colitis surgery may be necessary to remove an inflamed section of the digestive system. Around 60 to 75% of people with Crohn’s disease will require surgery to repair digestive system damage and treat complications of the condition.

Dyspepsia

Dyspesia (indigestion) is a common complaint that causes: pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (stomach) or chest, heartburn, feeling sick and belching. It’s most common after eating but it can happen anytime. Once diagnosed, lifestyle changes such as losing excessive weight, smoking cessation and stress reduction together with over the counter or prescription medicines may be recommended to relieve the symptoms.

Pancreatic disorders

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It has dual roles: as a digestive system organ it produces juices that help break down your food in particular protein and, it makes the hormone insulin that helps to control your blood sugar levels.

Some problems that affect the pancreas include: acute and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself), pancreatic cancer, type 1 and type 2 diabetes (conditions in which your body can’t control the amount of glucose in your blood) and cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky mucus can also block tubes in your pancreas).

Acute pancreatitis may be treated by giving intravenous fluids through a drip, painkillers, medications or gallstone removal. Chronic pancreatitis is treated with lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes surgery. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery may be recommended for pancreatic cancer depending upon the stage of the cancer. There isn't a cure for type 1 diabetes but it is controlled by taking insulin and making simple lifestyle changes. Treatment for type 2 diabetes is aimed at controlling your blood glucose level including medicines, lifestyle changes and insulin.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus carried in your blood and body fluids that infects, inflames and damages your liver. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. Most people with acute hepatitis B will recover without treatment. For those with chronic Hepatitis B medicines may be prescribed.

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Our expert consultants are committed to offering excellent care as soon as you need it; that's why they dedicate time to offer complimentary advice, with no obligation, so you can be sure before making a decision. Hear and speak to a Consultant within the speciality of your choice; get the information you need and all your questions answered to help you make a decision on your next steps in your healthcare journey.

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