An endoscopy is a technique used to examine of any part of the interior of the body through an optical viewing instrument. This can be through the mouth into the stomach (gastroscopy), through the anus into the large bowel (colonoscopy), or through the nose into the lungs (bronchoscopy).

Another examination that is performed by the endoscopy staff is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). A dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts using a flexible, video endoscope. Then X-rays are taken to outline the bile ducts and pancreas.

The endoscopy unit at UCLH is one of the largest units in the UK, performing over 14,000 procedures a year. There are eight state-of-the-art endoscopy rooms and a 16-bay recovery area.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality diagnostic, screening and surveillance endoscopy, as well as innovative therapeutic endoscopy. We have one of the largest hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal (GI) therapeutic endoscopy services in the UK, offering somecutting-edge procedures to our patients.

UCLH is also the main North London screening centre for colorectal cancer and leads the way in engaging with our neighbouring services to provide care to a wide variety of patients. The endoscopy unit holds several live endoscopy courses each year and has an active academic portfolio of high impact international and national clinical studies.

General enquiries

Other contact information

libby.fuller@nhs.net – Endoscopy Service Manager

gabrielle.browne@nhs.net – Admin Team Leader

The endoscopy unit is open between Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Arrangements outside of these hours should be directed via the main switchboard.

Address

Endoscopy Unit
University College Hospital
Endoscopy Administrative Hub
c/o GI Services, Ground Floor West,
250 Euston Road,
London. NW1 2PG

Referral

Other referral information

Access to patient endoscopy results
Results will be sent by letter. However, if you need to make contact, please get in touch with the department via the telephone number or email address above.

 

UCLH Endoscopy Service is accepting direct access referrals from GPs within NCL.
Referrals will only be accepted via e-referrals. Referrals sent via fax or email will be rejected.

Please see links to referral forms below:

GP open access endoscopy referral form

UCLH one stop dyspepsia clinic referral form

  • Barrett's oesophagus
  • Stomach cancer (early and advanced)
  • Oeosphageal cancer 
  • Gastro-intestinal stroma tumours of the upper intestinal tract 
  • Gasto-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) 
  • Hiatus hernias 
  • Achalasia 
  • Strictures of the oesophagus
  • Gastroparesis
  • Bile duct stones
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Pancreatic cysts
  • Colon cancer and polyps
  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Metabolic endoscopy

We are a JAG accredited unit. This means we have passed the highest possible standards of service and patient safety.

Patient aftercare depends on nature of the condition. Some patients will be suitable to be managed in the community by their GP, some will require ongoing hospital visits, and some will be discharged after treatment.

All patients are supported by a clinical nurse specialist, and patients and relatives are able to access complementary therapies during their outpatient appointment or inpatient stay with us. We have an on-call team 24/7 for any urgent cases.

There is also a Macmillan advice centre in the outpatient building, providing support and advice on cancer-related conditions to patients and relatives.


Patient feedback

"Thank you so much for all your support and understanding this year. You have made things a lot easier to deal with and I am very grateful to you".

Preparing for your colonoscopy appointment (morning procedure)

Preparing for your colonoscopy appointment (afternoon procedure)

Colonic and pan enteric capsule endoscopy - a guide to using the colon capsule from home

Consultants

Other gastrointestinal services