Flexible sigmoidoscopy

It is a test to check inside the left side of the large bowel only. It is indicated when your symptoms are suggesting that the cause is most likely from the left side of the colon. It takes shorter time compared to colonoscopy but will mostly require same preparation.

Colonoscopy

It is a test to check inside your large bowel. A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside it, is passed into the back passage through all parts of large bowel up to caecum to assess for any causes of your bowel symptoms. A colonoscopy can also be used to take biopsies or… Continue reading Colonoscopy

Gastroscopy

It is a test to check inside your throat, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach, known as the upper part of the digestive system. A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside it, is passed into the mouth then down the throat and into stomach. A gastroscopy can also be used to remove tissue… Continue reading Gastroscopy

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery

This is a technique that surgeons use to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis without having to make large incisions in the skin. Other names include keyhole surgery, minimal invasive surgery, or minimal access surgery. The advantages of this technique over traditional open surgery include shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time, less… Continue reading Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery

Constipation

Constipation can mean different things to different people. There is a common belief that people need to open their bowel every day, but this is not the case. Opening the bowels can vary between three times a day to three times a week in healthy individuals. You have constipation if you open your bowel less… Continue reading Constipation

Coeliac disease

It is a condition where your immune system attacks your own gut (small intestine) when you eat gluten. Gluten is found in food such as pasta, cakes, breakfast cereals, most types of bread, certain types of sauces, and some ready meals. Eating foods that contain gluten can trigger a range of gut symptoms, such as:… Continue reading Coeliac disease

Lumps

Lumps can appear anywhere on your body. Most lumps are harmless but it’s important to see a doctor if you’re worried or the lump is still there after 2 weeks. Examples of these lumps are – lipoma (soft, fatty lump that grow under your skin) – sebaceous cyst (fluid-filled or sebum-filled lump underneath the skin)… Continue reading Lumps

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Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Diverticula are small bulges or pockets that can develop in the lining of the intestine as you get older. Most people with diverticula do not get any symptoms and only know they have them after having a scan for another reason. When there are no symptoms, it is called diverticulosis. When diverticula cause symptoms, such… Continue reading Diverticular disease and diverticulitis