Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy

When your child experiences persistent gastrointestinal issues, our consultant may recommend a gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy. These diagnostic procedures help identify the root causes of various symptoms, including:

  • Chronic abdominal discomfort
  • Ongoing nausea
  • Recurrent vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Unexplained growth delays
  • Persistent diarrhoea

By performing these examinations, we can gain crucial insights into your child's digestive health, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.

Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy - What are they?

Gastroscopy: Examination of the Upper Digestive Tract

A gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure where doctors visually examine the upper digestive system, encompassing the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure employs a gastroscope, a slender, flexible tube fitted with a light and camera at its end.

Key Features:

  • Duration: Typically takes 15-30 minutes.
  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Biopsy: Often includes the collection of tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Results: Results are typically available within 2 weeks.
  • Post-procedure: Patients may experience mild throat discomfort.

Colonoscopy: Evaluation of the Large Intestine

A colonoscopy is a critical diagnostic procedure used to examine the entire colon or large intestine. During this examination, a colonoscope—a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera—is carefully inserted through the rectum to inspect the colon's inner lining.

Key Features:

  • Duration: Generally lasts 30-40 minutes.
  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Purpose: Detects signs of inflammation, bleeding, ulcers, or infections.
  • Biopsy: Tissue samples are routinely collected for further analysis.

Both procedures are indispensable for diagnosing and monitoring various gastrointestinal conditions. They are designed to be as minimally invasive as possible, ensuring a thorough and accurate examination of the digestive tract.

Click here to book a consultation with a Gastroenterology Consultant.

We are located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London and all nearby areas.

paediatric-gastroenterology

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