Therapeutic UGI Endoscopy 

Self expandable metal stents can be used to open a blocked food pipe secondary to cancer. This is often used as a palliative treatment for oesophageal cancer. It is performed under sedation as a day case procedure, in a similar fashion to standard endoscopy, taking approximately 20 minutes. 

The food pipe can also be stretched open with a Bougie or balloon dilator if it is narrowed due to a stricture. Strictures in the food pipe can occur due to chronic inflammation, radiotherapy or cancer, to give a few examples. It is performed under sedation as a day case procedure, in a similar fashion to standard endoscopy, taking approximately 20 minutes. 

This is a feeding tube that is inserted through the nose and guided into position in the intestine with an endoscope. There are numerous indications for the insertion of an NJ tube, which is primarily used to deliver nutrition, water and medication into the gastrointestinal tract. It is performed under sedation as a day case procedure, in a similar fashion to standard endoscopy, taking approximately 20 minutes. 

This is a feeding tube that is inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach with the guidance of an endoscope. It is a more long-term option for feeding access directly into the stomach. It can also be used for the delivery of water and medication. It is performed under sedation and local anaesthetic as a day case procedure, taking approximately 30 minutes.