Endoscopy services

• Colonoscopy – This test helps us to see what is going on in your bowels. An endoscope with a camera goes in your bottom. We will help you to make sure your bowels are empty first. To find out more visit: Colonoscopy - NHS.
   
• Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) – This test helps us to see in your small bowel in more detail. We use small balloons to gently move your large bowel so we can go further and see more. An endoscope camera goes in through your mouth or your bottom. We will give you some sedation when we do this, so you will feel relaxed.
   
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) – This is a test that helps us see and treat problems in your bile ducts and pancreas. An endoscope with a camera goes in your mouth and down to your small bowel. We use a dye to help us see is there are any blockages or stones.
   
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy – This is a quick test to look at the lower part of your large bowel. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. An endoscope with a camera goes in your bottom. We check for things like bleeding or small growths (polyps). We use air to help see clearly so you feel bloating or mild discomfort.
   
• Capsule endoscopy – This is when you swallow a small capsule so that we can see your bowel. It has a tiny camera in it. The capsule is about the size of a vitamin pill. As it moves through your bowel, it takes pictures and sends them to a recorder. The capsule will come out naturally when you go to the toilet.

• Gastroscopy – This test helps us see inside your throat, food pipe and stomach. An endoscope with a camera goes in your mouth and down your throat. We can also use this test to take a biopsy. To find out more visit: Gastroscopy - NHS
   
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) – A PEG is a soft tube that goes straight into your stomach through your belly. It’s used to give you food, water, and medicine if you can’t eat or swallow safely. We use an endoscope to help guide the tube into the right spot. It helps you get the nutrition you need and keeps food from going into your lungs.

•  Bronchoscopy – This test is to look inside your lungs and airways. The endoscope goes in via your nose or mouth and down to your lungs. We make also take a small sample. You might have this test if you are coughing up blood or have a persistent cough problem.
   
• Endoscopic Bronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) – We use this test to look at your lymph nodes and chest. The endoscope uses ultrasound and goes in your mouth and down to your lungs. We will give you some sedation when we do this, so you will feel relaxed. We use this test to help diagnose lung cancer or find out why lymph nodes are swollen.

• Cystoscopy – This test lets us look inside your bladder. The endoscope with a camera goes into your urethra. This is the tube that carries your wee from your bladder out of your body. You might have this test if you have blood in your wee or other problems that affect your bladder. To find out more visit: Cystoscopy - NHS. 

• Nasendoscopy – This test shows us the back of the mouth, nose and throat. The endoscope camera goes in your nose and down the back of your throat. It might feel a bit uncomfortable when we do this. We will numb your throat beforehand, so you don’t feel any pain.
   
• Laryngoscopy – This test looks inside the part of the throat called the larynx. This is where the voice box and vocal cords are. For this test, the endoscope goes in through the mouth. We will sedate you for this test as it is uncomfortable. 

• Colposcopy – This test allows us to take a closer look at your cervix. This is the opening to the womb and vagina. You might need this test after your cervical screening. We use a microscope to look at your cervix. This stays outside the body. To find out more visit: Colposcopy - NHS.
   
• Hysteroscopy – We use this test to look inside the womb. You cannot have this test if you are pregnant. The endoscope with a camera goes inside the womb. You might have this test to explore why you are having vaginal bleeding. To find out more visit: Hysteroscopy - NHS.

Your GP will refer you to us for an endoscopy test. If you are in hospital already, your consultant may request a test too.

We have two endoscopy units. One in South Tyneside and one in Sunderland. They are both bright and modern facilities. They offer a one stop shop for your care. You will have your consultation, test and recovery all in the same place. 

Some types of test may take part in other parts of the hospital like our women’s health unit (cervix and womb) and Urology Treatment Centre (bladder).

Your appointment letter will let you know which location to go to.

• South Tyneside District Hospital
  • Our endoscopy unit is the main hospital in Ingham Wing. Click here for directions.
• Sunderland Royal Hospital
  • Our endoscopy unit is to the side of Chester Wing. It has its own entrance (use entrance 11). Click here for directions.

We have a fantastic endoscopy team. This includes consultants, doctors, nurses and support staff. Our team will make you feel at ease and as comfortable as possible when you visit us.

Zoe Clapham is Clinical and Operational Lead for the department.