Patient information resources

Welcome to St. Vincent’s University Hospital’s (SVUH) Endoscopy Department playlist, “Help Us to Help You.” We are excited to introduce this series of informational videos, uniquely designed to enhance the patient experience for those undergoing endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopies and gastroscopies. SVUH is proud to be the first hospital in Ireland to provide such a comprehensive and patient-centred resource. This innovative project is the result of a dedicated study examining patient experiences from referral to the day after their procedure. Our goal is to address common concerns and questions through these videos, demystifying the endoscopy process and helping to alleviate patient anxiety. Developed by our expert Endoscopy team in collaboration with patient representatives, these videos cover crucial aspects of your endoscopy journey.

Patient information videos

These videos are short, with most being less than 2 minutes long. You can watch all the videos, or just those you feel are relevant to you.

Video 1: Patient Experience Journey

Video 2: How to Get to Endoscopy Department

Video 3: A Guide to Conscious Sedation

Video 4: Colonoscopy Experience

Video 5: Gastroscopy Experience

Video 6: Colonoscopy Preparation Diet

Video 7: Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation – Morning Appointment

Video 8: Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Afternoon Appointment

Video 9: After Your Endoscopy

For further details, see our frequently asked questions below.

1. Patient Experience Journey

In this video, we provide an overview of what to expect on the day of your procedure at our department.

You will learn

1. The process of confirming your details and waiting to be called by our nursing staff.
2. Moving into the endoscopy waiting area and preparation for the procedure.
3. What happens after the procedure, including recovery, receiving refreshments and discharge instructions. If you had conscious sedation, you must leave with a family member or friend. For more information, please see our separate video on conscious sedation.

Video Script

2. How to get to Endoscopy Department

In this video, you’ll learn the easiest route to the Endoscopy Department within the St. Vincent’s University Hospital Campus. Follow along for clear directions and helpful tips to ensure a smooth arrival.
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3. A Guide to Conscious Sedation

In this video, we guide you through conscious sedation for your procedure. Join Dr Roisin Stack, who will guide you through what you need to know about conscious sedation.

You will learn:

1. What conscious sedation involves and its purpose.
2. How it helps you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
3. Important considerations, such as informing the team about any medication allergies.

Video Script

4. Colonoscopy Experience

In this video, we provide a detailed overview of what you can expect during a typical colonoscopy procedure, including its purpose and what to anticipate.

You will learn:

1. How the procedure is done using a flexible tube with a camera.
2. Important tips, such as fasting and arrival times.
3. Post-procedure instructions.

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5. Gastroscopy Experience

In this video, discover what to expect during a typical gastroscopy procedure, which typically lasts about 7 minutes. While rare, potential risks will be outlined for your awareness.

You will learn:

1. How the procedure is done using a flexible tube with a camera.
2. Important tips, such as fasting and arrival times.
3. Options for managing discomfort during the procedure, including the use of numbing spray. If you have conscious sedation, please ensure you leave with a family member or friend, watch our separate video on this topic.
   For additional information, see our frequently asked questions below.

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6. Colonoscopy Preparation Diet

In this video, Yvonne, one of our dietitians at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, will guide you on how to prepare for your colonoscopy, including managing your diet in the days leading up to the procedure.

You will learn:

1. When to stop taking iron and vitamin supplements, and medications causing constipation.
2. How to adjust your diet three days before and switch to a colonoscopy-specific diet two days prior.
3. Tips for colonoscopy bowel preparation.

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7.Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation – Morning Appointment

This video is for patients with a morning colonoscopy appointment. It guides you through the steps for taking your bowel preparation.

You will learn:

1. How to make up your bowel preparation and the necessary steps to take it.
2. How much water to measure and tips to improve the prep’s taste.
3. The importance of timing for your prep and dietary restrictions on the day of your procedure.

Video Script

8. Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Afternoon Appointment

This video is for patients with an afternoon colonoscopy appointment. It guides you through the steps for taking your bowel preparation.

You will learn:

1. How to make up your bowel preparation and the necessary steps to take it.
2. How much water to measure and tips to improve the prep’s taste.
3. The importance of timing for your prep and dietary restrictions on the day of your procedure.

Video Script

9. After Your Endoscopy

In this video, we explore what happens after your endoscopy procedure.

You will learn:

1. About getting your results from a nurse.
2. The process of sending the procedure report to your GP and receiving results from samples taken.
3. Important details about follow-up appointments and restarting medications post-procedure. For additional information, please see our patient resources on common conditions below.

Video Script

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is a gastroscopy?
• Gastroscopy patient information leaflet (PDF)
• What is a colonoscopy?
• Colonoscopy patient information leaflet (PDF)
• How to manage your diabetes medications around the time of your endoscopy (PDF)
• Information if pregnant/breastfeeding (PDF)
• Information on managing your blood thinning medication around the time of your endoscopy (PDF)
• Information on a Colonoscopy Diet
• Information on Diabetes
• Instructions on Colonoscopy discharge
• Instructions on Gastroscopy discharge

Common conditions diagnosed after gastroscopy/colonoscopy

You may have been given a diagnosis after your endoscopy and we have provided helpful links to common conditions so you can learn more about them.

• Heartburn
• Hiatus Hernia
• Stomach ulcer
• Coeliac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
• Polyps in large bowel/colon
• Bowel cancer
• Bowel cancer screening programme (BowelScreen)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome