Endoscopy is a test to look inside the body using a small camera, often at the end of a long tube. The camera is passed into the body through an opening such as the mouth.

Our Endoscopy team perform a wide range of gastro-intestinal and respiratory procedures for inpatients and outpatients, using state-of-the-art equipment. The team perform around 18,500 procedures each year and are national leaders on the Bowel Cancer and Bowel Scope Screening programmes.

We are the only trust in Kent and Medway taking part in a pilot programme where patients swallow a tiny camera known as a Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE), and have also been designated the Endoscopy Training Hub for Kent and Medway. Both our units are JAG accredited, ensuring a high-quality, safe and appropriate endoscopy service, delivered by a highly-trained team. We have also been awarded JAG training provider accreditation status and are now one of the national centres commissioned to improve endoscopy training in England.

The Endoscopy team are involved in a large number of research projects and aim to ensure our practice is based on the best available clinical evidence to provide the highest standard of care for every patient.

Our philosophy of care

Maidstone Hospital Unit Manager: Sally Nicholas and Hema Kafle
The Maidstone Hospital unit is located in the yellow zone, number 13, on the ground floor. All procedures except capsule endoscopy are undertaken in this unit with the addition of EUS and EBUS.

Tunbridge Wells Hospital Unit Manager: Sally Craven
The Richard Loke Endoscopy Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital is in the purple area on Level –1. All procedures (including capsule endoscopy) except EBUS are undertaken in this unit.

General queries about appointments: 01892 638210

• Option 1: to change or cancel an appointment at Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone (lines are open Monday – Friday, 9.00-11.00am and 1.30-3.30pm)
• Option 2: medical enquiry with appointment at Tunbridge Wells
• Option 3: medical enquiry with appointment at Maidstone.

Opening hours

Both units are open 08.00am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays. The Tunbridge Wells site is open 8.00am – 1.00pm on Sundays.

Maidstone Unit is temporarily open on Sundays 8.00am-6.30pm

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopic procedure allows us to inspect your gastrointestinal or respiratory tract with a flexible tube, which has a video camera attached to the end.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (OGD or Gastroscopy) includes the examination of the oesophagus (foodpipe or gullet), stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) is an examination of the colon (large bowel).

We can also visualise the entire small bowel using a swallowed pill-sized camera (capsule endoscopy). Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) examines the biliary tree (ducts that connect your gallbladder, pancreas and duodenum) with the help of x-ray and Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS) can also be used to look at these ducts or the external layers of your gullet.

Respiratory endoscopy (bronchoscopy or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)) includes the examination of the bronchial tree and adjacent lymph nodes.

Different types of endoscopic procedures and relevant forms/guidance

• Gastroscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Capsule Endoscopy
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS)
• Bronchoscopy

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK, accounting for 11% of all new cancers. The lifetime risk of developing bowel cancer is 1 in 14 for men and 1 in 19 for women, in 2012 in the UK.

To read more about bowel cancer and its treatment, visit the Cancer Research UK website

Colorectal cancer can be prevented via polypectomy, which is the removal of pre-cancerous growths (polyps) within the bowel at either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is a safe, mostly painless procedure with highly effective results.

Information about the bowel cancer screening programme can be found on the NHS website.

Questions or problems after your procedure

In the event of an emergency, you are advised to attend your nearest A&E department, taking a copy of your endoscopy report with you.

For other queries, you can contact your GP or the medical staff in the endoscopy department on the general enquiry line 01892 638210.

Meet the team

Between 30-35 physicians, surgeons and nurse endoscopists supported by nurses deliver endoscopy at our hospitals. They are supported by a large team of specialist nurses, endoscopy assistants and technical staff.

• Debora Primerano, Deputy General Manager for General Surgery and Endoscopy and Kent and Medway Training Hub Manager
• Raquel Souto, Endoscopy Practice Educator
• Ezzy Chandler, Endoscopy Service Manager