What is a gastroscopy?
The purpose of a gastroscopy is to examine the upper section of your digestive tract. During this procedure, a slender, flexible tube equipped with a small camera is gently inserted into your mouth to observe the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and duodenum, which is the initial c-shaped part of the small intestine.
Why might you need a gastroscopy?
If you are experiencing symptoms like persistent indigestion, heart burn and reflux unresponsive to treatment, difficulty or pain when swallowing, chest or upper abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your vomit, or dark stools, a gastroscopy may be necessary. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions, such as peptic ulcers, coeliac disease, Barrett’s oesophagus, hiatus hernia and cancer. Typically conducted on an outpatient basis, a gastroscopy lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Patients can choose to have a sedative for relaxation and a local anaesthetic spray is applied to the throat to ease discomfort.
A gastroscopy is recommended for symptoms including:
- Recurring heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Upper abdominal pain
- Frequent vomiting, with or without blood
- Recurring indigestion
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain
- Diarrhoea
Additionally, gastroscopy is used to investigate or monitor conditions of the upper digestive system like:
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers
- Oesophagitis
- Gastritis
- Hiatus hernia
- Coeliac disease
- Stomach or oesophageal cancer
- Lactose intolerance
Hospital fee guide price: £1,750
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
Before treatment
Before scheduling your gastroscopy, it’s necessary to attend an initial appointment to discuss the procedure and its requirements. During this meeting, your expert will go over the consent form with you, ensuring you receive comprehensive information about the process to help you decide if it is the right option for you. We encourage you to ask any questions and share any concerns you might have.
Preparing for a gastroscopy
To prepare for the gastroscopy, you will be given instructions to follow before the procedure. This includes:
- Fasting – to allow for a clear view of the upper gastrointestinal tract, you will typically be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a certain period before the procedure. This period of fasting is 6 hours prior to the gastroscopy. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding the fasting period.
- Medication adjustments – inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking, especially blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or medications that affect blood clotting. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications before the procedure. Ensure you take your routine medication with a small amount of water as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. It’s also important to inform your doctor if you have any allergies or sensitivities.
- Patients with diabetes should continue their regular blood glucose monitoring before the procedure to ensure their levels are stable. It is also important to bring glucose tablets to the appointment in case of low blood sugar.
During treatment
Before the procedure, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You can choose to have a sedative to help you relax, and a local anaesthetic spray will be offered to the back of your throat to numb the area and minimise any discomfort.
You will lie on your left side on an examination table. A mouthguard or a plastic mouthpiece may be placed between your teeth to prevent damage to the endoscope and to protect your teeth during the procedure.
The gastroenterologist will gently insert the thin, flexible tube called an endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope has a light and a camera on its tip, allowing the doctor to see the inside of your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A small suction tube may be used to remove saliva and other secretions to maintain a clear airway during the procedure.
The slender, flexible tube used during a gastroscopy is completely safe and will not interfere with your breathing. This is because it travels down your food pipe, not your windpipe.
The endoscope is carefully advanced through your oesophagus and into your stomach and duodenum. The camera on the endoscope transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of your upper digestive system.
To enhance visibility, a small amount of air may be gently introduced into your stomach through the endoscope. This may cause you to feel temporarily bloated.
If any abnormalities are found during the gastroscopy, the doctor may perform a biopsy using small instruments passed through the endoscope, this does not cause pain. This process involves taking small tissue samples for further examination in the laboratory. Additionally, certain therapeutic procedures, such as the removal of polyps or application of treatments, may be carried out during the gastroscopy.
Once the examination is complete, the tube is withdrawn.
Sedation options
You may be offered sedation to help you relax during the procedure. This can be administered through a small plastic tube (cannula) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. Sedation can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
After treatment
After the procedure, you’ll be taken by the specialist nurse to the recovery ward and be monitored until the sedative wears off. It’s important to note that if you used a sedative, you might not remember much of the procedure and, as you won’t be able to drive, you will need a companion to take you home.
After the procedure, careful monitoring of your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, will be conducted to ensure your safety.
The team will book in another appointment with you to go through your results.
Common side effects and complications
Common side effects of a gastroscopy may include a hoarse voice or a numb feeling in the mouth. It is also common to feel full and experience burping after the procedure. A mild sore throat is a possible typical side effect.
While complications are rare, they can occur. These may include bleeding or injury to the upper digestive tract caused by the gastroscope, though this is very rare. There is also a risk of complications from sedatives, which could lead to breathing or cardiovascular problems. Moreover, some patients might have trouble concentrating and feel tired for several hours following the procedure.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Appointment
Based on your previous consultation with a doctor, an appointment will be arranged between you and your expert.
Consultation
During this appointment, you’ll go through your medical history, your symptoms, and together, you’ll decide whether further investigation, such as a gastroscopy is the best next step.
Preparation
If gastroscopy is an option, then the specialist will provide you with instructions on how to best prepare for your procedure.
Procedure
Prior to going through the gastroscopy, our team will ensure that you’re prepped once again. If everything is confirmed, you’ll undergo the procedure and then we’ll explain the aftercare instructions.
Aftercare
If necessary, you’ll stay in a ward for a while to ensure that you’re ready to go home after the procedure.
Follow-Up
You’ll come in to meet your doctor, discuss your results and agree on further steps.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
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Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
Hospital fee guide price: £1,750
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
FAQs
During the procedure, you will lie on your left side, and a small plastic mouth guard will be positioned between your teeth to protect them. A local anaesthetic throat spray is offered to be applied to the back of your throat to numb the area, and a small plastic tube, or cannula, may be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm to administer sedation, if necessary. The gastroscope, which is a thin, flexible tube, will be inserted through your mouth and into your food pipe, stomach, and duodenum. The doctor will examine the lining of these areas for any abnormalities, and tissue samples may be taken using small pincers inserted through the gastroscope tube. Once the examination is complete, the gastroscope will be removed, and you will be taken to a recovery area to rest.
Yes, you are typically awake during a gastroscopy procedure. However, you may be given a sedative to help you relax and feel more comfortable. This sedation is not strong enough to make you fall asleep, but it does help reduce anxiety and discomfort. A local anaesthetic throat spray is also applied to numb the back of your throat, making the procedure more tolerable. The combination of sedation and throat spray ensures that you remain calm and relaxed throughout the gastroscopy.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mani Naghibi - Consultant Gastroenterologist on 21/12/2024