Endoscopy
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About the Procedure
Whether you choose to self-refer for a procedure, or a procedure is decided upon following your clinic appointment, you are assured of a bespoke experience at Harmony. We aim to offer a one stop solution for when you need a procedure and where this is not possible, it is our endeavour to provide you with the earliest appointment.
Our clinic uses high-quality disposable endoscopes to ensure the highest standards of infection control and patient safety. As these are single-use devices, once opened for your procedure, they cannot be reused. If, for any reason, your procedure cannot be completed, the cost of the endoscope will still be included in your bill.
We currently offer Gastroscopy and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. We do not offer colonoscopy at this time.
Choose your procedure from the list below to get detailed information. We strongly recommend that you read through the procedure details prior to your visit.
Gastroscopy
An upper endoscopy, or a ‘Gastroscopy’ is a simple procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your digestive system using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end. It helps diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting your oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines. The procedure is usually quick, and people can go home the same day.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple test that allows a doctor to examine the lower part of your large bowel (rectum and sigmoid colon) using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end. It helps check for any problems like inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities. The procedure is usually quick, and most people can go home the same day.
Patients Who Cannot Have A Procedure At Harmony
In private clinics, certain patients are typically not eligible for procedures like gastroscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
These include individuals who:
- Are under 17 years old
- Weigh more than 110 kg
- Have severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with or without the need for long-term oxygen therapy
- Suffer from significant heart failure
- Experienced a heart attack within the last 3 months
- Recently had surgery on the abdomen or chest
- Are experiencing significant bleeding from the back passage
- Have a known oesophageal stricture (a narrowing of the food pipe)
- Are currently unwell or have a fever
- Had a blood clot in the lungs or legs in the last 3 months
- Suffered a stroke in the last 3 months
- Have epilepsy and experienced seizures in the last 6 months
- Had a brain haemorrhage or stroke in the last 3 months
- Are undergoing treatment for known oesophageal or gastric cancer
- Have significant memory issues or dementia and/or are unable to make decisions about their treatment
- Experience severe panic attacks
These criteria are in place to ensure patient safety during such procedures.