Open access endoscopy (also known as direct access endoscopy) means that your GP can refer you directly for an endoscopy procedure (gastroscopy, colonoscopy or both) without prior needing to see the specialist. Candidate’s suitability is usually assessed against a defined criteria looking to exclude any high-risk medical conditions which may require specialist assessment prior to booking the procedure to ensure patient safety.

Open access endoscopy has an established track record of safety and enables fast tracked patient access to the procedures. Your GP will assess your suitability for open access pathway before referring. If you would prefer an upfront specialist consultation for risk benefit discussion, please let us know and we will organise the consultation.

Sometimes, based on the information provided in the referral and patient’s known medical conditions, we may feel it is necessary to have a face-to-face consultation prior to proceeding with the procedure booking. If we feel a prior consultation is necessary to ensure safety, we will advise you of this.

Criteria for open access endoscopy:

You may be considered suitable for open access endoscopy if you fit the following criteria:

• Age 18 – 75 years
• BMI < 35 Kg/m 2
• Not taking any blood thinners apart from aspirin
• Do not have any major cardiorespiratory conditions (ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, chronic lung disease and sleep apnea etc.)
• Do not have chronic neurological conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease etc.

Frequent reasons for having an open access endoscopy procedure:

• Family history of gastrointestinal malignancy: Screening gastroscopy or colonoscopy due to positive family history of gastric , oesophageal or bowel cancer in first degree relatives.
• Positive National Bowel Cancer Screen test
• Positive Faecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Follow up of previous history of polyps (Recall colonoscopy)
• Iron deficiency with or without anaemia
• Unexplained bleeding from back passage (rectal bleeding)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained/ unintentional weight loss
• Celiac disease
• Altered bowel habits
• Suspected inflammation in the bowel
• Any unexplained Gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn/ reflux, dyspepsia/ indigestion etc)

If you think you are a suitable candidate, please contact us at SABEGastroS.