Mr Peter Vaughan-Shaw, Endoscopist and Dr Richard Makins, Capsule Endoscopist (pictured)

In this workshop you will take a journey through the unseen world of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine and see first hand the skill and expertise of the Endoscopist.

Endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of the gastro-intestinal tract (gut) is examined internally using an endoscope which is a thin, long, flexible tube with a light source and video camera at one end. Images of the inside of your body are relayed to a television screen. Endoscopy allows tissue samples to be taken and is sometimes used to treat bleeding or cancer.

Our experts are nationally acclaimed as leaders in the field and train hospital staff from across the UK. They will guide you as you get hands-on with one of the endoscopes. Can you navigate the twists and turns?

During this workshop you will also follow the ‘incredible journey’ of the capsule endoscope which is used to look for diseases which may cause bleeding or inflammation in the gut.

Capsule endoscopy involves the use of a miniature camera, about the size of a large vitamin pill, costing around £400, which is swallowed by the patient.

Over a period of 12 hours the camera takes nearly 140,000 images, lit by a tiny integral strobe light, while the patient carries on with their normal day – they can go to work and do whatever they would normally.

During the workshop you will be able to see the astonishing images from the small intestine including foreign bodies and worms that are sometimes seen.

Enter the unseen world of the gut with Mr Vaughan-Shaw and Dr Makins.

For tickets and more information contact the Science Festival Box Office Tel: 0844 880 8094 or visit the Science Festival website