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Endoscopy
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Request an AppointmentPlease note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Useful Information
About our services
Gastrointestinal endoscopy (including oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) / gastroscopy and colonoscopy) services at Mater Private Network are provided by consultants with expert knowledge and clinical experience in the fields of gastroenterology, colorectal and general surgery. Our doctors and the skilled support team are dedicated to providing the best care possible.
For patients with worrying symptoms the first port of call is a visit to your GP for evaluation. Your GP may start treatment with a prescription / medication or may recommend an endoscopy procedure to evaluate symptoms such as:
- Stomach pain
- Ulcers, gastritis, or difficulty swallowing
- Digestive tract bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits (chronic constipation or diarrhoea)
- Polyps or growths in the colon
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy involves examining the inside of a person’s body using an endoscope, a long flexible tube with a light and a tiny camera attached to it. Endoscopy helps diagnose and treat conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract – areas such as the oesophagus, stomach, colon, and bowel.
Types of endoscopies
Gastroscopy
When an endoscope is passed through the mouth and throat allowing the doctor to view the oesophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine this is known as a gastroscopy or OGD.
Colonoscopy
When an endoscope is passed into the large intestine (colon) through the anal canal to examine this area of the intestine it is known as a colonoscopy (full colonoscopy) or sigmoidoscopy (left-sided colonoscopy).
An endoscope can also be used to remove a small sample of tissue to be looked at more closely. This is called a biopsy.
Wireless capsule endoscopy
During a wireless capsule endoscopy, you swallow a small capsule with a camera and light in it. The capsule sends images of the inside of your body to a computer for a doctor to look at.
The capsule is the size of a large tablet and leaves your body naturally when you go to the toilet.
It is often used if you have any internal bleeding and there is no obvious cause. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers, and tumours within the small intestine.
There are some complications associated with wireless capsule endoscopy. It can be difficult to swallow the capsule and to pass it naturally. The capsule can also get caught in the narrow areas of your bowel, causing a blockage.
What to expect if you're having an endoscopy
Learn more about what to expect before, during and after your endoscopy procedure.
Learn moreMedication guidance
Please note that if you having a procedure in the endoscopy department and need guidance or advice on your medication (for example patients on NOAC or with diabetes), please let us know and the clinical nurse manager will be happy to help.
Endoscopy Direct Access Clinic
A direct access endoscopy service is available at Mater Private Dublin for patients presenting with urgent symptoms. This is a dedicated consultant-led endoscopy service with appointments available with a member of our gastroenterology group in five to ten working days.
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Endoscopy Direct Access Clinic
The gastroenterology group at Mater Private offers direct access to a dedicated consultant-led endoscopy service.
Learn more