Our Endoscopy Suite
Our Endoscopy Suite was recently upgraded to a state-of-the-art facility
Olympus high definition endoscopes are used and gastroscopies, colonoscopies and polypectomies are performed daily with excellent results. The endoscopy suite is manned by a Clinical Associate and a Olympus trained endoscopic technician – they are supervised by a registered nurse with an interest in critical care nursing. All measures have been put in place to ensure that patients are cared for physically and emotionally during these procedures.
Covid-19 Regulations
Strict Covid19 measures are in place and includes barrier nursing, full PPE by the endoscopy suite staff [N95 masks, surgical gowns visors and aprons], wipe down of all equipment and surfaces after each case with soap, water and hypochloric acid as well as fogging after every case with hypochloric acid.
All procedures are done using conscious sedation which has been proved to be safe and effective – all patients are screened pre-procedure to ensure that there are no risks for the sedation in the office and if any risk factor is present that may endanger the patient’s health, the procedure will be performed in theatre.
The suite is fully furnished to do a complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should there be the need – the emergency trolley is equipped with a defibrillator, intubation equipment and all resuscitation drugs as required by the South African Society of Anesthesiologists. in 8 years we have not needed to perform any resuscitative procedures.
Following the completion of the endoscopies, patients are taking through to the recovery room where they can recover from the sedation – Dr de Beer will then discuss the findings of the procedure and recommend further treatment based on these findings. Please ensure that you have a companion or family member with you to drive you home. Refer to pre-procedural information brochures obtained in the office upon booking an endoscopy.
Most medical aids have forfeited co-payments if the endoscopies are performed in the rooms – please discuss the charges and financial implications of the endoscopy with Dr WP de Beer during the consultation.
Procedures for Endoscopy Treatments
- A patient will be referred for an endoscopy by his practitioner.
- A consultation with Dr WP De Beer will follow and if he concurs with the need for an endoscopy, a suitable date will be decided on this is usually within a week of the consultation.
- We will provide a formal quote with Procedure codes & ICD 10 codes
- General rules for endoscopies:
- Patient to be fasting for at least 6 hours before the procedure
- Please ensure that you have somebody to drive you home after the procedure you are not allowed to drive for at least 12 hours after the sedation
- All endoscopies are done using conscious sedation
- Please wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Discuss the need to take chronic medication beforehand with Dr De Beer
- The results of the endoscopy will be discussed immediately after the procedure with the patient by Dr WP De Beer if biopsies were however performed, there may be a wait for up to a week while the specimens are being processed
- A follow up appointment will be scheduled usually 2-4 weeks after the procedure.