Endoscopy Services
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined internally using an endoscope. An endoscope is a device attached to a light source that is used to look inside a body cavity or organ. The scope is inserted through a natural opening, such as the mouth during a gastroscopy or the rectum for a sigmoidoscopy / colonoscopy.
Why may you be referred for an endoscopy?
The most common use of endoscopy is to investigate symptoms that are causing you discomfort or concern. An endoscopy might be recommended to investigate the following symptoms:
- Difficulties swallowing or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Chest pain that is not caused by heart-related conditions
- Persistent nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood
- Persistent diarrhoea
How an endoscopy is performed?
An endoscopy is usually carried out while a person is awake. It is not painful but can be uncomfortable so a sedative (medication that has a calming effect) may be given to help you relax. The endoscope is carefully inserted into the cavity to be examined - (stomach or bowel). An endoscopy can take 15-60 minutes to carry out, depending on the area being examined. Endoscopy is performed on a day case basis, which means you will not have to stay in hospital overnight.
Where do we do endoscopy?
There are 2 endoscopy units within Powys Teaching Health Board these are situated at Brecon War Memorial Hospital and Llandrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital. Brecon War Memorial Hospital is able to offer the service to patients aged over 16 years old and Llandrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital is able to offer the service to patients aged over 18 years old.
Types of endoscopies
- Colonoscopy – used to examine your large intestine (colon)
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – used to examine lower part of bowel up to the sigmoid
- Gastroscopy – used to examine your oesophagus and stomach
Other types of endoscopes include:
- Flexible cystoscopy – used to examine the bladder
Brecon War Memorial Hospital |
Llandrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital |
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Endoscopy unit provides outpatient services / direct access for patients requiring day case for: Colonoscopy |
Endoscopy unit provides outpatient services / direct access for patients requiring day case for: Flexible Cystoscopy |
The endoscopy units provide diagnostic endoscopy services in a community setting. It is run by a team which consists of Consultants, an Advanced Clinical Endoscopist, a Clinical Endoscopist and Nursing staff with skills and special interest and qualifications in gastroenterology services.
We are able to provide pre-procedure patient information leaflets for:
- E01 Upper GI Endoscopy in English, Nepalese, Polish & Welsh
- E03 Colonoscopy in English, Polish & Welsh
- E06 Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in English, Polish & Welsh
- E11 Upper GI Endoscopy & Colonoscopy in English & Welsh
- E12 Upper GI Endoscopy & Sigmoidoscopy in English & Welsh
- Bowel preparation leaflets in English & Welsh
Please contact the Endoscopy Booking team on 01874 615808 / 01874 615697 / 01874 615810 who will be able to send these to you by email or post.
Opening Hours
The unit is usually open Monday to Friday from 8:00 – 18:00 and the Bowel Screening Wales programme is undertaken on a Saturday.
Contacts
Monday to Friday:
01874 615815 – Clinical queries
01874 615808 / 01874 615697 / 01874 615810 – appointment / results queries
Feedback:
Patient satisfaction surveys are undertaken, this gives the opportunity for patients to voice their experience and an opportunity for the Health Board to improve or maintain their services.
Information about endoscopy services is currently available from our legacy website.