Thank you for your interest in referring to The George Centre’s Direct Access Endoscopy service. This service is ideal for patients who require an endoscopy procedure as part of a regular surveillance program or cancer screening program; are over 18 and under 80 years of age; in stable health with no recent ill health (within 6 weeks) of colds, flu or other illnesses and those on limited medication.
As a guideline:
Medications – The patient is not eligible if taking any of these medications: Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Other forms of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents
Age – not eligible if: Under the age of 18; Over the age of 80
Body Mass Index (BMI) – The patient is not eligible if they have a Body Mass Index > 40
Cardiovascular – not eligible if: A recent myocardial infarct (within the last 6 months), Unstable angina, Atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, Pacemaker, Drug eluting stents within the last 12 months, Bare metal stents within the last 6 months
Endocrinology – not eligible if: Insulin dependent diabetes, Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction
Gastrointestinal – not eligible if: Had recent abdominal surgery (within 6 weeks), An acute episode of diverticulitis (within 6 weeks), Active Chron’s disease, Ulcerative colitis
Liver disease – not eligible if: Cirrhosis (ascites, encephalopathy, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding)
Neurological – not eligible if: Recent CVA or TIAS, Epilepsy, Dementia, Mental retardation
Pregnancy – not eligible if: The patient is pregnant
Psychiatry – not eligible if: Any major psychiatric disorders
Respiratory – not eligible if: COPD, Asthma, Obstructed upper airway, Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Renal – not eligible if: On dialysis, Has chronic kidney impairment