An endoscopy is a camera test to look at the first and last parts of your gut. Our specialists offer a full range of tests and scans to diagnose or monitor conditions related to your digestive health.
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What is it for?
Diagnosis of digestive conditions
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Treatment overview
An endoscopy is a specialised test used to look at the gut.
They are typically performed to find out the cause of a number of different symptoms, such as bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and heartburn.
Endoscopic procedures can also be used to monitor a known condition or to see how a condition is responding to treatment.
The process involves passing a thin, flexible camera through either the mouth or anus to look for any signs of inflammation or damage. The picture produced allows our specialist team to diagnose causes of digestive problems and, where necessary, take samples.
Different types of endoscopies are used to investigate different parts of the digestive system. For example:
- Gastroscopy – this procedure looks at the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and the top part of the small intestine
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – is used to investigate the latter parts of the large bowel
- Colonoscopy – helps to examine the entire bowel.
We carry out our endoscopic procedures in The London Clinic’s state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit, ensuring our patients receive the best care, in a clean, modern and safe surrounding.
FAQs
Most endoscopies are day-case procedures from which you will recover quickly with very minor discomfort. There is usually no need to stay in and you can return to your normal activities very quickly.
When booking your endoscopy the exact details of your test will be confirmed. We usually ask you to stop eating six hours before the test. Please follow any instructions you are given about continuing or stopping your regular medications.
When you are awake, your specialist will be able to discuss with you what they have seen during the endoscopy. Any tissue samples will be analysed in our laboratory. Your specialist will be able to tell you when the results will be available and, if necessary, we will make an appointment for you to come and discuss the findings and what the next steps will be.
For some people another procedure called a capsule endoscopy, where you swallow a ‘tablet’ that has a camera inside it, may be suitable. Your specialist will discuss with you what options are best for you.
After your procedure you will be taken to our recovery area to ensure that you are comfortable. If you have had sedation you will be kept here until you are more awake. Once your specialist is happy with your recovery, you will be able to go home.
You may be offered some pain relief or sedation to help you relax. You’ll be asked to lie on your side. A thin camera is then passed into the bowel via the anus. The picture from inside your gut is shown on screens, allowing your specialist to see if there are any areas that can explain your symptoms. Tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken if needed.
Before the procedure starts you may be offered something to make the test more comfortable. This may be a numbing spray to the mouth and throat, possibly with some sedation to help you relax. A thin camera is then passed through your mouth and down to your stomach. Pictures are relayed to screens so that your specialist can see the lining of your gut. They will be able to identify any areas that might explain your condition and take samples of tissue if needed.
Before you leave your specialist will discuss any other tests that you might need and arrange to see you again in clinic.
Your doctor or specialist might suggest an endoscopy to understand the cause of any digestive symptoms you are having. This could include unexplained blood tests, bleeding from the bowel or a change in your bowel habit. They will explain the reason for the test, how it works, and what any results might mean.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
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Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.