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Welcome to our instructional video on how to take your bowel prep. In this video, we will guide you through the steps in preparing and taking your bowel cleansing solution before your colonoscopy procedure. We will cover everything to ensure you are well-prepared for your procedure. Let's get started!

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If you choose to have local anaesthetic spray, it is sprayed onto the back of your throat to make it numb and reduce some of the sensation of gagging and retching. It wears off after 30 minutes and then you can eat and drink again.

The advantages of having the throat spray are that:

you can go home immediately after the test

you do not need a relative or friend to take you home

you will be able to drive yourself home after the test

you can return to work after the test

(photo by gettyimage from iStock₎

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Gastroscopy (also known as ‘OGD’ and upper endoscopy) is an examination of the lining of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (small intestine). An endoscope (a long, flexible tube) is passed through your mouth and down the back of your throat into the oesophagus. Using the light on the end of the endoscope, the endoscopist can look for any abnormalities. If necessary, biopsies (small samples of tissue) may be taken during the examination and sent to the laboratory for further investigation.

A gastroscopy can also be used to treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract by passing instruments through the endoscope. For example, your endoscopist might stretch a narrowed area or treat bleeding with little or no discomfort. Your endoscopist will discuss this with you in detail before the test.

A gastroscopy can also check for symptoms of persistent upper abdominal (tummy) pain, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and difficulty in swallowing. It is also used for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Click on this file for the information leaflet regarding Understanding Gastroscopy

(photo by Good Studio from VectorStock₎

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Our endoscopy service has units at Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals. We aim to provide a comprehensive, efficient and high quality research-based service to our patients. Our dedicated team of professionals take pride in providing the best possible clinical care, offering privacy, dignity and individual attention to all patients. We strive to provide patient-centred care in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

All of our units are fully JAG (Joint Advisory Group) accredited with a strong governance background.

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Our endoscopy service has units at Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals.

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Colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of the large bowel (also known as the colon). Your bowel needs to be empty for the colonoscopy, so, you will need to take laxatives the day before your appointment. The procedure is performed by an endoscopist – either a doctor or a specialist nurse. The colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube which is passed through your bottom (anus) and then around the large bowel. There is a light and tiny video camera on the end of it. The colonoscope blows air into the bowel to allow thorough examination. We look for any abnormalities inside the colon. If required, biopsies (small samples of tissue) may be taken during the examination. Any polyps (growths in the lining of the bowel) can be removed. Most polyps are not cancer. However, most bowel cancers begin as a polyp so removing them is an important way of preventing bowel cancer in the future.

Click on the link for the information leaflet about Understanding Colonoscopy

(Photo by Pikovit from shutterstock₎

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Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a visual examination of the lining of the rectum (bottom) and part of the colon (large intestine). A sigmoidoscope (a long, flexible tube) is passed into the anus, through the rectum and into the lower part of the colon. Using the light on the end of the sigmoidoscope, the endoscopist is able to look for any abnormalities.

If necessary, biopsies (small samples of tissue) can be taken during the examination and sent to the laboratory for further investigation.

See link for the information leaflet: Understanding Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

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Fiber-optic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the airways and lungs. A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (bronchoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth, allowing visualization of the airways. It's commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions such as lung infections, tumors, or bleeding.

Understanding Bronchoscopy

photo by pikovit from VectorStock

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Transnasal endoscopy is a procedure to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a thin, flexible scope passed through the nostril. The ultra-slim endoscope, thinner than a little finger, reduces discomfort by avoiding gagging sensations, often associated with mouth insertion. This allows for sedation-free procedures. Beforehand, local anesthetic is sprayed in the nose and throat for numbing. Throughout, communication with staff is possible for reassurance. Biopsies may be taken if needed for further investigation.

Understanding Transnasal Gastroscopy

(Photo by metamorworks from shutterstock)

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A low-residue diet restricts fiber intake, helping to clear the colon before a colonoscopy by minimizing residue. This aids in achieving a clean bowel for effective examination and accurate results.

Please see link for Low-Residue Diet Leaflet

(Photo by Valentina Antuganova from Istock)

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You have been prescribed Moviprep as a laxative to empty your bowel in preparation for your colonoscopy. As Moviprep has very little taste, it is better taken cold from the fridge. You may wish to add clear fruit cordial, such as orange or lime squash, to make it more pleasant to drink. If you experience nausea, vomiting or abdominal (tummy) pain, please contact the endoscopy department using the numbers on the front of this leaflet and ask to speak to a nurse. Please see the link below for instructions on taking Moviprep.

How to take Moviprep

How to take Extended Prep (Moviprep)

Photo from Me and My Crohn's

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You have been prescribed Plenvu as a laxative to empty your bowel in preparation for your colonoscopy. As Plenvu has very little taste, it is better taken cold from the fridge. You may wish to add clear fruit cordial, such as orange or lime squash, to make it more pleasant to drink. If you experience nausea, vomiting or abdominal (tummy) pain, please contact the endoscopy department using the numbers on the front of this leaflet and ask to speak to a nurse. Please see the link below for instructions on taking Plenvu.

How to take Plenvu

Photo by Parmacie Online

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Conscious sedation is where the sedative and a painkiller are given into a vein (intravenous, IV). This will make you more relaxed and reduces any discomfort experienced during the procedure. The sedative may also make you forget parts of the test. Each patient will react differently and will experience different levels of sleepiness. It is not a general anaesthetic and you will be awake during the procedure.

If you have conscious sedation an adult friend, relative or carer must escort you home. You must also make sure that an adult stays with you for 12 hours after your procedure. Please make sure that you have access to a telephone when you return home. If you have not been able to make these arrangements, please speak to the nursing staff.

(photo by Lio Putra from vecteezy₎

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Entonox® is commonly known as ‘gas and air’. This is a mixture of gases which is breathed in (inhaled). It is a quick acting painkiller that wears off quickly. We will show you how to use the mouthpiece before the colonoscopy starts and ask you to inhale the Entonox®. The effects are noticeable within 30 seconds. You can continue to inhale the Entonox® during the procedure. Unlike sedation, you can drive home 30 minutes after your procedure.

Entonox® cannot be given to patients with some lung conditions or those who have had recent eye or brain surgery.

(photo by Ian Hooton from Science Photo Library)

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Conscious sedation is where the sedative and a painkiller are given into a vein (intravenous, IV). This will make you more relaxed and reduces any discomfort experienced during the procedure. The sedative may also make you forget parts of the test. Each patient will react differently and will experience different levels of sleepiness. It is not a general anaesthetic and you will be awake during the procedure.

If you have conscious sedation an adult friend, relative or carer must escort you home. You must also make sure that an adult stays with you for 12 hours after your procedure. Please make sure that you have access to a telephone when you return home. If you have not been able to make these arrangements, please speak to the nursing staff.

(photo by Lio Putra from vecteezy₎

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If you need to reschedule or change your appointment, our booking team is here to assist you. See contact details below:

E-mail: i.endoscopyappointments@nhs.net

Phone number: 02033126010

Please don't hesitate to contact us, and we'll be happy to accommodate your needs.

(photo by theimgcharacterlab from vecteezy₎

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Have questions or need further assistance?

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Have questions or need further assistance?

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Feel free to reach out to us from Mondays to Fridays (08:00 - 18:00). Our dedicated team is here to help you with any queries you may have.

Bowel Cancer Screening Centre: 0203 313 8996

Charing Cross Hospital :

020 3311 1941

Hammersmith Hospital:

020 3313 2645

St Mary’s Hospital:

020 3312 6681

We look forward to hearing from you!

(photo by theimgcharacterlab from vecteezy₎

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We would like your feedback on the care or treatment we gave you on your visit to our department today. Please complete the survey using the QR Code above or click this link. (Please ensure you select the correct HOSPITAL site and clinic from survey drop menu) Your anonymous feedback will help us to continue to improve our service and detailed comments will help us to know where we can improve.

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of our unit.

Thank you for helping us serve you better!

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Capsule endoscopy is a procedure where a pill-sized video capsule is swallowed to examine the lining of the middle part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine's three portions. The capsule contains a camera and light source, capturing images as it passes through the stomach and intestine. These images are transmitted to a data recorder worn on the waist for about 8 hours. Afterward, doctors can view the recorded images on a monitor. The capsule is then naturally excreted from the body. This procedure is also known as small bowel endoscopy, capsule enteroscopy, or wireless endoscopy.

Understanding Capsule Endoscopy

Photo from IntroMedic

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How do I make a comment about my visit? 

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How do I make a comment about my visit? 

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We aim to provide the best possible service and staff will be happy to answer any of the questions you may have. If you have any suggestions or comments about your visit, please either speak to a member of staff or contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 020 3312 7777 (10.00 – 16.00, Monday to Friday). You can also email PALS at imperial.pals@nhs.net The PALS team will listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries and is often able to help solve problems on your behalf.

Alternatively, you may wish to complain by contacting our complaints department: Complaints department, fourth floor, Salton House, St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street London W2 1NY

Email: ICHC-tr.Complaints@nhs.net

Telephone: 020 3312 1337 / 1349

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An enteroscopy is a specialist procedure to look directly at a part of your small bowel. During the procedure, your oesophagus (gullet) and stomach will also be looked into. The instrument (scope) we use for this procedure is called an enteroscope. This is a long flexible tube, thinner than a little finger, with a camera at the end.

(photo from freepik₎

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EUS is a technique which allows enhanced imaging of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, pancreas, liver and bile ducts using an endoscope. The exact organs being examined will depend on the individual reason for your procedure which will be discussed with you beforehand. EUS is used for many conditions including the staging of cancers, the diagnosis of pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts and bile duct stones.

Understanding Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan

Photo from Mount Elizabeth

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An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined using an endoscope.

An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and a video camera at one end. Images of the inside of your body are relayed to a television screen. Endoscopes can be inserted into the body through a natural opening, such as the mouth and down the throat, or through the anus (via the bottom).

Our endoscopy service offers a number of procedures, including:

gastroscopy

flexible sigmoidoscopy

colonoscopy

endoscopic ultrasound (upper GI and bronchial)

therapeutic upper and lower GI endoscopy (including stenting)

biopsy/fine needle aspiration (FNA)

HALO radiofrequency ablation

enteroscopy (balloon and push)

capsule endoscopy

upper and lower GI physiology tests

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

bronchoscopy and pleural service

endoscopic tetrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)

bariatric balloon placement/removal

bowel cancer screening programme

Endoscopy | Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

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Charing Cross Hospital

Endoscopy Unit, First floor, West Wing

Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF

020 3311 1941

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Hammersmith Hospital

Endoscopy Unit
A block, ground floor
Hammersmith Hospital

Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS

020 3313 2645

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St Mary's Hospital

Endoscopy unit
Second floor
Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother (QEQM) building

Praed Street, London W2 1NY

020 3312 6681