Service

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy - Swanage Hospital

What does it do?

Swanage Hospital offers a diagnostic and theraputic service in flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy as a day case.  It involves examination of the large bowel with a long flexible tube.

Service Delivery Area

Swanage Community Hospital

What are the service opening times?

Thursday morning - two or three times per month

Friday afternoon - once per month

How can I refer?
[For appropriate professional/clinical referrers only - service users please see below]

Direct access referral to Swanage Hospital using the appropriate referral form, or by letter.

What functions/treatment and therapies are offered?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the lower bowel with a flexible telescope and camera and is mainly for patients with rectal bleeding.  If the cause is piles, they can often be treated at the same visit.

Colonoscopy examines the whole colon/large bowel with the same equipment and diagnoses various conditions and can treat polyps at the same time.  Patients are given sedation and an injection to help with discomfort.

Which types of illness/medical condition does the service treat?

The service diagnoses and treats a number of medical conditions including diverticular disease, colitis, bowel polyps, bowel cancer and piles.

It is used to investigate in the case of:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Change in bowel habit
  • Family history of bowel cancer
  • Anaemia
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhoea

 

Who will I see?

Miss T Karlowski

Mr R Talbot

Mr C Mehta

As a patient, how do I access services?

Your GP can refer you to this service.

How can I get involved / what support groups are available?
Do you have information for Carers?

An information booklet is available from the Day Surgery Unit.

Where, when and how often are the clinics?

These investigations are carried out in the Day Surgery Unit at Swanage Hospital on a Thursday or Friday.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Day Surgery Unit - 01929 475008

Admin Office - 01929 475047