Endoscopy
What we do
We are a local and regional centre providing inpatients and outpatients with a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment service. We offer a wide range of procedures and investigations, including:
- gastroscopy (OGD)
- oesophageal, biliary and colonic dilatation and stenting
- colonoscopy
- flexible sigmoidoscopy
- endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- endo-anal manometry
- video-capsule endoscopy
- endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
Preparing for your appointment
The preparation you need to make for your appointment will depend on the type of procedure you are having.
You may need to fast – not eat or drink anything – for a period of time beforehand, take a bowel cleansing medicine or arrange for an escort to take you home and stay with you overnight.
We will send you full information of any preparation you need to make with your appointment letter or explain it over the telephone if your appointment is made at late notice. It is very important that you follow these instructions so we do not need to cancel your appointment on the day.
Please contact us if you have diabetes or take blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or clopidegrel.
Location
Lower Ground Floor, Cheyne Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
Contact Details
- Main Reception: +44 (0)20 3299 7874
- Decontamination Unit Manager: +44 (0)20 3299 4951
- Endoscopy Nurses Station: +44 (0)20 3299 4079
- Patient Appointments Line: +44 (0)20 3299 3599
Patient information leaflets
| Title | File Size | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule enteroscopy | 435 KB | |
| Colonoscopy | 44 KB | |
| Having a transnasal endoscopy – examination of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine | 457 KB | |
| OGD (Gastroscopy) | 44 KB |
Conditions we treat
We cover all diseases of the digestive tract. In conjunction with the Liver Unit, we also provide endoscopic procedures for pancreatic and liver problems. Colorectal procedures and investigations of the small bowel are undertaken jointly between gastro and surgical specialities.
Services offered:
- Diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy (OGD)
- Diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Video capsule endoscopy
- EUS (Endoscopic ultrasound)
- EMR (Endoscopic mucosal resection)
- Endo anal manometry
- Double balloon enteroscopy
- PEG and gastro pexy
- 3D endoscopy and ultrasound
The range of therapeutic endoscopy includes:
- balloon dilatation
- stent insertion
- PEG insertion
- and a wide modality of treatments for GI bleeding
Other investigations relating to liver and pancreatic problems can be treated with ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound (both diagnostic and interventional) and duodenal stenting.
What is required before referring a patient
Modern guidelines have substantially reduced the need for diagnostic endoscopy for conditions such as dyspepsia. However, direct referrals from primary care will be evaluated and if endoscopy seem appropriate, we can offer the patient an appointment.
Booking a patient at King’s
Routine Referrals
All routine referrals should made to individual specialties, such as gastroenterology, liver or colorectal surgery. On receipt of the referral, the consultant will make an internal referral to endoscopy, if appropriate.
Emergency Referrals
Emergency referrals can be made by speaking directly with the SpRs or one of the consultants from the appropriate specialty, or by letter.
Patients with risk of cancer can be directly referred via the two-week cancer pathway.
Key Clinical Staff
| Mrs Louise Bensaid | Endoscopy Quality & Audit Nurse Lead |
| Mr Dave Kyle | Ward Manager |
| Mrs Lysetta Purser | Matron |
| Mrs Savita Ramnarain | Endoscopy Manager |