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Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a procedure used to look inside your body using an instrument called an endoscope.

About endoscopy

This is a slim, flexible tube with a camera and a small light at one end. The camera sends images to a screen, so that your doctor can examine inside of your body.

Endoscopy can be used to find out what is causing pain, or symptoms of a wide range of conditions including anaemia, gallstones and ulcers. It can also be used during surgery.

An endoscopy is normally carried out while you are awake, using a mild sedative. The endoscope often enters the body through a natural opening - usually through the mouth or rectum. Alternatively, it can be inserted through a small incision – just like keyhole surgery.

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What types of endoscopy are available at Cromwell Hospital?

  • argon beam therapy - used to control bleeding in the gastro-intestinal tract
  • bronchoscopy - to see down the airways and into the lungs
  • capsule endoscopy – to look at the digestive tract by swallowing a capsule which contains a camera
  • colonoscopy – for examining the colon and upper colon
  • cystoscopy – to investigate urinary tract infections, incontinence or blood in the urine 
  • gastroscopy –to examine the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine
  • sigmoidoscopy – for looking into the rectum and lower bowels

Your doctor will explain to you which specific procedure you will need, and why.

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Why choose use for endoscopy?

Cromwell Hospital has a purpose-built endoscopy suite with the latest facilities, including video endoscopy, to enable us to carry out a wide range of procedures. This suite is also where we carry out our bowel cancer screening.

Our highly experienced doctors and clinical support team focus purely on endoscopy. If you do need further treatment, you would also have direct access to our other specialist departments across the hospital.

A copy of the results of your endoscopy will be given to you at the end of your appointment. If any polyps are removed for examination, the test results will be ready within seven days and your doctor will discuss these with you at your follow-up consultation.

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Paying for your treatment

We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.

Self-pay patients

We offer several ways for patients to self-pay, including pay-as-you-go and self-pay packages.

Find out more about self-pay >

Insured patients

At Cromwell Hospital, we accept private health insurance from most major providers, including AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality.

How to use your private health insurance >
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Our locations

Cromwell Hospital

Cromwell Hospital

164-178 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7460 5700

More about our hospital >
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