Private Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy & Endoscopy

Endoscopy with an experienced consultant

Gastroscopy, colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are investigations rather than conditions: they are tools used to find the cause of symptoms, take biopsies and, often, treat the problem in the same procedure. Dr Khalid will only recommend a procedure when it is likely to change your diagnosis or treatment.

Dr Khalid has performed endoscopy at consultant level for over 20 years. He is an accredited Bowel Cancer Screening Endoscopist, has served as a National Clinical Assessor for the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on Endoscopy, and is Educator and Development Lead for the North West Endoscopy Training Academy.

Gastroscopy (upper GI endoscopy)

A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to examine the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and duodenum (first part of the small bowel). Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken painlessly, and some problems — such as a narrowing of the oesophagus — can be treated at the same time.

What to expect

• You will usually be asked not to eat for around six hours beforehand.
• You can choose a throat spray to numb the back of your throat, sedation to help you relax, or both.
• The test itself usually takes 5–15 minutes.
• Dr Khalid will usually explain the main findings the same day; biopsy results follow later.

Often used for: Acid Reflux & Heartburn, Swallowing Problems, Nausea & Vomiting, Coeliac Disease & Food Intolerances, Rectal Bleeding & Bowel Cancer Concerns

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy examines the full length of the large bowel (colon) with a flexible camera. It is the most accurate test for finding the cause of bleeding, a change in bowel habit or anaemia, for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease, and for finding and removing polyps before they can develop into cancer.

What to expect

• You will need to take a bowel preparation (laxative) beforehand so the bowel is clear. The hospital will give you detailed instructions.
• Sedation and pain relief are usually given to keep you comfortable.
• The procedure usually takes 20–45 minutes.
• Polyps can usually be removed during the same procedure.

Often used for: Rectal Bleeding & Bowel Cancer Concerns, Bowel Problems, Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the lower part of the large bowel — the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is often used to investigate bright red bleeding or symptoms that are likely to come from the lower bowel. Preparation is usually a small enema shortly before the test, and it is quicker than a full colonoscopy.

Often used for: Rectal Bleeding & Bowel Cancer Concerns, Bowel Problems

Complex polyp removal: EMR, ESD and EFTR

Most polyps are small and easily removed. Some are large, flat or in difficult positions, and in the past many of these would have needed bowel surgery. As an Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist, Dr Khalid removes these polyps endoscopically, through the colonoscope, using:

• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) — lifting and removing the polyp from the bowel lining.
• Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) — precisely dissecting larger lesions in one piece.
• Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection (EFTR) — removing selected lesions through the full thickness of the bowel wall.

These techniques can avoid major surgery, with a shorter recovery. Dr Khalid developed and led the Complex Polypectomy Service at Pennine Acute Hospitals and trains fellow consultants in these techniques.

Often used for: Rectal Bleeding & Bowel Cancer Concerns

Bowel cancer screening and surveillance

Dr Khalid is an accredited Bowel Cancer Screening Endoscopist for the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Privately, he offers colonoscopy for people with a family history of bowel cancer, after an abnormal FIT result, and for surveillance after polyp removal or for long-standing colitis.

Often used for: Rectal Bleeding & Bowel Cancer Concerns, Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Other tests Dr Khalid may arrange

Not every problem needs an endoscopy. Depending on your symptoms, Dr Khalid may also arrange:

• Blood tests — including anaemia, iron studies, coeliac antibodies, liver tests and inflammatory markers
• Stool tests — such as faecal calprotectin (bowel inflammation), FIT (hidden blood) and pancreatic function tests
• Breath tests — for H. pylori, lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth
• Imaging — ultrasound, CT or MRI scans
• Specialist referral tests — such as oesophageal pH and manometry studies

Availability of some tests varies between hospitals. Dr Khalid will explain which are needed and why.

Preparing for your procedure

• Your hospital will send written instructions about eating, drinking and bowel preparation — please follow them closely.
• Tell the team in advance if you take blood thinners (such as warfarin, apixaban or clopidogrel), diabetes medicines or iron tablets, as these may need adjusting.
• If you have sedation, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you, and you should not drive for 24 hours.
• If you are insured, check with your insurer whether you need pre-authorisation for the procedure.

Frequently asked questions