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Endoscopy

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An endoscopy is a procedure where organs inside your body are looked at using an instrument called an endoscope - a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light and camera at one end. Images of the inside of your body are shown on a television screen.

Important: Contacts

If you wish to book, re-arrange or cancel your appointment, please contact the endoscopy booking office:

  • phone 0800 917 7039
  • Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

Endoscopy units in hospitals

Within NHS Highland there are endoscopy units in four hospitals:

Patients may have the option for a procedure at their nearest endoscopy unit, however this depends on the procedure required. Not all endoscopy units are able to offer all procedures, due to the skill set of staff.

The Endoscopy Department in Raigmore Hospital consists of 4 endoscopy rooms. The department is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and carries out inpatient and outpatient procedures. The department is located in Zone 8.

What endoscopy procedures are there?

Common procedures undertaken in the endoscopy department are:

Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE)

This involves swallowing a small capsule, about the size of a large vitamin tablet. The capsule travels through the digestive tract taking images of the colon.

Colonoscopy

This is a procedure that uses a narrow, flexible, telescopic camera called a colonoscope to look inside your large bowel. It can be used to check your large bowel for signs of bowel cancer, and to investigate symptoms affecting your bowel.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

This procedure allows the resection (removal) of large sessile (broad-based) polyps and lateral-spreading tumors.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

This is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It combines X-ray and the use of an endoscope.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

This is a type of endoscopic examination that involves the insertion of a thin tube into the mouth and down into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. At the tip of the tube is a small ultrasound probe that emits sound waves. These sound waves bounce off the surrounding structures, such as the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, and liver. These sound waves are then recaptured by the probe and converted into black and white images that are then interpreted by your doctor.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

This is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) to evaluate the lower part of the large intestine (colon).

Gastroscopy

This is a procedure where an endoscope is used to look inside the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)

This is a procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids and/or medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and oesophagus.

How to make up and take Plenvu (video)

A video to help patients when taking bowel preparation (Plenvu) for lower endoscopy procedures.

Strategic plan

Read our Strategic Plan 2022-27 for the endoscopy service (pdf, 2022).

Our philosophy of care

  • The unit's aim is to provide the highest standard of care for all our patients, regardless of age, ability, race, culture, religion and sexual orientation.
  • We will care for our patients and visitors, as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
  • Despite our patients' short stay, we aim to meet their needs and, where necessary.
  • An open attitude is encouraged in which information is shared with patients wherever possible, being mindful of the importance of patient confidentiality and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
  • We ensure the patient is treated in privacy and with dignity.
  • We believe in working together as a team.
  • Supporting and respecting each other, we are aware that everyone's contribution is of value to our overall performance.
  • The unit promotes and facilitates staff professional development.
  • We welcome all comments and suggestions as we are constantly looking for ways to improve our service.

Our dignity champions are key to instilling all staff and patients are treated as equals and everybody has access to required resources. These champions continually look for ways to improve the service we offer patients and the workplace environment for our staff.

Read more about NHS Highland core values.

Patient survey

A patient survey was conducted between January and December 2023.  Results for the NHS Highland area were:

  • How efficient did you find the booking process?
    90.9% said excellent
  • How do you rate the information you were posted prior to your appointment?
    85.4%     said excellent
  • How would you rate the friendliness of staff?
    96.9% said excellent
  • How would you rate the knowledge of our staff?
    97.7% said excellent
  • Did you find our staff easy to identify?
    97.6% said yes
  • Was the pain level what you expected during your procedure?
    91.1%     said better than I expected or what I expected
  • How did you find the care you received in the unit before discharge?
    96.8% said excellent
  • Do you feel staff treated you with dignity e.g. as an individual?
    99.8% said yes
  • Do you feel staff listened to you and respected your wishes?
    99.6% said yes
  • Would you recommend this endoscopy unit to friends or family?
    99.2% said yes

View or download the full survey results (pdf, March 2024). This also includes responses for each hospital site. Comments are reviewed monthly and shared with the relevant teams to celebrate or take action.

In-person services and locations

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Your Services

Last updated: 7 March 2024

Next review date: 10 June 2024

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NHS Highland
Assynt House
Beechwood Park
Inverness
IV2 3BW

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