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Amise Medical Services

Endoscopy Services

Minimally invasive, camera-guided procedures to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system — performed by Dr Dawit Daniel Kabiye, MD, DM, a fellowship-trained endoscopist at Tapion Hospital, Saint Lucia.

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Procedures We Offer

We offer the full range of upper and lower GI endoscopic procedures at Tapion Hospital.

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Gastroscopy (OGD)
Examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Used to investigate reflux, ulcers, bleeding, dysphagia, and unexplained weight loss.
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Colonoscopy
Examination of the entire large bowel. The gold-standard investigation for bowel cancer screening, polyps, IBD, rectal bleeding, and altered bowel habit.
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Examination of the lower colon and rectum. A shorter, quicker procedure ideal for investigating rectal bleeding, left-sided symptoms, or targeted surveillance.
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Polypectomy
Removal of bowel polyps at the time of colonoscopy. Catching and removing polyps early prevents them from developing into colorectal cancer.
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Biopsy
Tissue sampling during upper or lower GI endoscopy for pathological analysis — used to diagnose coeliac disease, H. pylori, Barrett's oesophagus, IBD, and malignancy.
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Haemostasis & Injection
Endoscopic treatment of active bleeding — adrenaline injection, clips, or thermal coagulation — performed during the same procedure when a bleeding source is found.

What to Expect

1
Before your procedure
You will receive a preparation letter with fasting instructions. For colonoscopy, this includes a bowel cleansing preparation the day before. For gastroscopy, you will fast from midnight. Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home after sedation.
2
On the day
Arrive at Tapion Hospital 30–45 minutes before your scheduled time. A nurse will check your details, weight, blood pressure, and any allergies. You will be given a hospital gown and a small cannula (IV line) placed in your arm for sedation medication.
3
During the procedure
You will receive intravenous sedation (conscious sedation) so you are comfortable and relaxed. Most endoscopy procedures take 15–30 minutes. You will be monitored throughout with pulse oximetry and ECG.
4
Recovery
You will rest in the recovery area for approximately 60 minutes while the sedation wears off. A nurse will check your observations. Dr Kabiye will speak with you to share findings before discharge. You must not drive, operate machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
5
Results
Biopsy results typically return within 5–10 working days. You will receive a follow-up appointment or results letter. An endoscopy report is given to you before leaving.

Colonoscopy Preparation — Step by Step

Your bowel must be completely clean for Dr Kabiye to see the lining clearly. An incompletely prepared colon increases the risk of missing abnormalities. Please read all instructions as soon as you receive them and call us if you have any questions.

5 Days Before
Stop blood-thinning medicines

Stop iron tablets, Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin, Xarelto, and any other anticoagulants. Also stop turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon supplements. Do not stop any medication without first speaking to your doctor. If you are diabetic or have other medical conditions, please inform us.

3 Days Before
Low residue diet
You may eat:
  • White flour, white rice, pasta, macaroni
  • Cheese, eggs, meat, fish
  • Soup, noodle soup, chicken
  • Refined cereals: corn meal, cream of wheat
Avoid completely:
  • Dasheen, yam, and high-fibre vegetables
  • Mangoes and fruits with seeds (e.g. guavas)
  • Beans, lentils, corn, nuts
  • Brown bread, dried fruit, dried coconut
The Day Before — Liquids Only
Clear fluid diet all day, then first bowel prep dose at 6 pm
Allowed fluids:
  • Water, coconut water
  • Tea or coffee (no milk)
  • Clear juices: orange juice, apple juice
  • Malta, strained clear soup (no noodles)
Avoid:
  • All solid food
  • Drinks or jellies with red dye
  • Milk or dairy-based drinks
🕕 At 6:00 pm — Drink your first bottle of magnesium citrate, followed immediately by at least 4–5 large glasses of coconut water.
Examination Day
Second prep dose at 5 am — nothing to eat or drink after 6 am
5:00 am
Drink your second bottle of magnesium citrate, followed by at least 4–5 large glasses of coconut water.
6:00 am
Take your regular medications with a small sip of water. Blood pressure medication MUST be taken. Diabetic medication should NOT be taken on the day of the procedure unless your doctor has specifically instructed otherwise.
After 6 am
Nothing to eat or drink — no water, no medication.
After Your Procedure
You will recover in the unit for 30–60 minutes
  • You must be accompanied by a family member or responsible adult — you cannot go home alone after sedation
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, or sign legal documents for 24 hours
  • You may eat normally as soon as you feel ready after the procedure
  • Some bloating and gas are normal — this settles quickly
  • Ask your doctor when it is safe to restart blood-thinning medications
  • If biopsies were taken, results may take up to 6 weeks — we will contact you
Call us immediately if after your procedure you develop severe abdominal pain, a firm or bloated abdomen, vomiting, fever, or rectal bleeding greater than a couple of tablespoons.
Gastroscopy (Upper GI) Preparation
  • Fast from midnight — no food or drink, including water
  • Take your regular morning medications with a small sip of water unless told otherwise
  • Stop iron tablets 5 days before
  • Inform us of blood-thinning medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, Xarelto)
  • Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home — no driving for 24 hours after sedation

Risks & Benefits

Benefits
✓
Accurate diagnosis without surgery
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Treatment at the time of diagnosis (e.g., polyp removal)
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Short procedure — most take under 30 minutes
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Rapid recovery — home the same day
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Prevents cancer when polyps found early
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Avoids the need for open or keyhole surgery in many cases
Risks (uncommon)
Bleeding
Occurs in fewer than 1 in 100 patients, more commonly after polypectomy. Usually self-limiting.
Perforation
A tear in the bowel wall — rare (around 1 in 1,000). May require surgical repair.
Sedation reactions
Mild reactions to sedation (nausea, dizziness) are uncommon. Serious reactions are very rare.
Missed lesion
No test is 100% accurate. Small flat polyps can be missed. High-quality bowel prep reduces this risk.
Aspiration
Rare risk during upper GI endoscopy if stomach contents enter the airways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from our patients.

Will I be awake during the procedure?+

You will receive conscious sedation, which means you are relaxed and drowsy but can still respond. Most patients have little or no memory of the procedure. You will not feel pain, though you may notice some mild pressure or bloating.

How long will I be at the hospital?+

Plan for 2–3 hours in total, including preparation, the procedure itself (15–30 minutes), and recovery in the unit. You will be discharged once your nurse is satisfied your observations are stable.

Can I eat after the procedure?+

After gastroscopy you may eat and drink once your throat is no longer numb (usually 30–60 minutes). After colonoscopy you may eat normally once you feel ready, usually a light meal first.

When will I know if I have polyps?+

Dr Kabiye will tell you immediately after the procedure whether any polyps were found and removed. Biopsy results for tissue sent to pathology may take up to 6 weeks — we will contact you. If you have not heard within that timeframe, please call us.

Do I need a referral?+

A referral from your GP or specialist is recommended for most endoscopy procedures and may be required by your insurer. You can also self-refer — contact us and we will advise on next steps.

Is the procedure covered by insurance?+

Most health insurance plans in Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean cover diagnostic endoscopy. Please check with your insurer before attending. We can provide a pre-authorization letter on request.

What if something is found during the procedure?+

In many cases, treatment (such as polyp removal or biopsy) is performed immediately during the same procedure. If something more complex is found, Dr Kabiye will discuss the findings and next steps with you before you leave.

Ready to book your endoscopy?

Book online, WhatsApp us, or ask your GP to send a referral. Our team will confirm your appointment within one business day.

Book Online → Tapion: 758-284-0557 Rodney Bay: 758-720-7111