PATIENTS undergoing colonoscopies at Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT) have had the procedure stopped mid-way through because of ‘ageing’ equipment.

A report prepared by HHFT, which runs Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester hospitals, said the risk caused by ‘ageing endoscopy scopes’, increased from 15 to 20, following a review.

It said: “In November and December 2022 there have been a number of colonoscopy procedures which have had to be stopped mid-procedure due to camera fields being poor.”

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It added: “An action to undertake a full review of equipment is due to take place.”

A colonoscopy is a test to check inside a person’s bowels to help find what is causing bowel symptoms.

It involves a long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside passed into a patient’s bottom.

A patient is usually awake during a colonoscopy but is offered medicine to make them more comfortable.

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HHFT said it will be undertaking a full review of its equipment.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “In a small number of cases, procedures are briefly paused to allow for a scope to be replaced to ensure the accuracy of the investigation and best possible care for our patients.

“This does not significantly delay matters and no procedures have been postponed or cancelled as a result of this.

“We regularly review all of our surgical facilities to ensure the highest level of patient care and have an ongoing programme of investment in purchasing new equipment.”