This is a test which looks at the inside lining of the large bowel or colon. The colonoscope is a large tube, about the width of an index finger with a light on the end. The colonoscope is passed via the rectum or back passage and around the bowel (see diagram). The doctor is able to see any abnormalities and in some cases, painlessly take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory examination.
 
Before The Test
The bowel must be emptied of waste material, which requires taking laxatives the day before. It is important to drink lots of fluid during this time.  Before the colonoscopy begins tell the doctor about any allergies or medical conditions. You will be asked to change into a gown and to remove any jewellery as this may interfere with machinery

During the Test
I the examination you will be placed on your left hand side and with your knees slightly bent. A nurse will stay with you during the procedure and will assist the doctor. You may be given some sedation to make you feel sleepy and relaxed. Once the colonoscope has passed the anus, air may be passed into the bowel to give the doctor a better view. This may cause the sensation of needing to go to the toilet, but the bowel will be empty so there is no danger of this happening.  The whole procedure may take 30-45 minutes.

After The Test
You will rest in the recovery room for about 30 minutes. It is normal to pass wind and feel a little bloated but this should pass quickly. After the test you must be accompanied home by another person and should avoid driving, operating machinery or drinking alcohol due to the sedative, which will linger in your system. You should feel normal and be able to resume normal activities by the next day. The results will be sent to your doctor.

This is a rapid test, taking only 3-4 minutes, which allows the doctor to visualize the lower part of the colon with little discomfort to the patient. It is an excellent way to diagnose haemorrhoids, polyps or diverticular disease, which may be causing symptoms. The sigmoidoscope is the width of the little finger and is flexible so can go around corners. The doctor is able to see any abnormalities and in some cases, painlessly take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory examination.

Before The Test
You will be given some laxatives or an enema the day before which will help clear the bowel of waste material.

During The Test
You will be asked to change into a gown and be accompanied by a nurse who will assist the doctor. Once the sigmoidoscope is past the anus, air will be passed into the bowel to help provide a better view. This may cause a little discomfort, which quickly resolves after the examination. The procedure is relatively painless so sedation is not normally used.

After the Test
You will be observed for 10 minutes, and may pass wind, which is expected. You may have some bloating but this should settle within 24hours. If you have had no sedation you will not need to be accompanied home, but it is often sensible to have someone with you in case sedation is used.  The results may be explained to you, and will be sent to you doctor.

Also known as an, ‘endoscopy’, this is a test, which allows the doctor to look at the lining of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (small intestine). The procedure is carried out by an endoscope – a thin tube, the width of an index finger. The doctor is able to see any abnormalities and in some cases, painlessly take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory examination.

Before The Test
To allow the doctor to see the lining of the intestinal tract the stomach should be empty, therefore you should not have anything to eat or drink up to 6 hours before. Before the procedure it is important to tell the doctor of any allergies or medical problems you may have. You will be asked to wear a gown and remove any false teeth.

During The Test
You will lie on your left side and be given a local anaesthetic (spray or lozenge) to numb your throat. You will also be given a sedative to help you relax, and a plastic mouth piece may be placed in your mouth to keep your mouth open. The endoscope will be past painlessly into your oesophagus and stomach. Air may be passed into your stomach to distend it.  You will be able to breathe normally throughout the procedure, and any saliva produced, will be suctioned by the nurse. The procedure will take 10-15 minutes to complete.

After The Test
You will be monitored for 30 minutes in the recovery room, and be given a drink to test your swallow. Once the anaesthetic has worn off you can eat and drink. Your throat may feel a little sore, and you may experience a little bloating and belching, but this will pass within 24 hours. You must be accompanied on the way home and due to the sedation you should not drink, drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.  The result will be sent to your doctor.

This is a procedure performed using a cystoscope, which allows the doctor to visualise the bladder and urethra (the tube which drains the bladder). The doctor is able to see any abnormalities and in some cases, painlessly take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory examination.

Before the Test
There are no specific requirements, which means that you can eat and drink, and arrive on your own.

During the Test
You will be asked to change into a gown (to prevent your clothes from getting wet) and to lie on your back on the couch, and will be accompanied by a nurse during the procedure. The procedure does not require a general anaesthetic but your urine tube (urethra) will be numbed with local anaesthetic. Men will be asked to hold the tip of their penis (to keep the anaesthetic in place – this will take 5 minutes). Your genitals will be cleaned and the cystoscope passed gently through your urethra. You will be asked to pass urine to relax the sphincter below your bladder (don’t worry no urine will come out). You may feel some momentary stinging at this point. The doctor will then pass water into your bladder in order to distend it and improve the doctor’s view. The whole procedure may take 3-4 minutes, and slightly longer if samples are taken. As you are awake during the procedure you can ask the doctor questions and will often be able to see the video screen

After the Test
After the procedure you may feel you want to pass water (as water was passed into your bladder during the cystoscopy). A little bleeding is common and you may feel some discomfort when passing water for a few hours, but this should settle within 24 hours. Urine infections can occur after cystoscopy, and if you have burning or pain on passing water for longer than 24 hours then you should contact your doctor. After you are dressed you can leave on your own but should rest for the rest of the day.