Diagnostic procedure to examine the oesophagus, stomach and upper part of the intestine. Our specialists offer a full range of tests and scans to diagnose or monitor conditions related to your digestive health.
Gastroscopy
Also known as: Upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy, oesophago-gastric duodenoscopy (OGD)
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What is it for?
To examine the upper GI tract to identify the cause of symptoms
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Treatment overview
A gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure which examines your oesophagus, stomach and the upper part of your intestine.
A gastroscopy may be recommended if you have symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, a chronic cough, heartburn or indigestion, persistent vomiting or any signs of bleeding from the bowel.
These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions and a gastroscopy will help our team of expert gastroenterologists identify the most likely cause.
During a gastroscopy, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope with a video camera and light at the end is passed through your mouth to your stomach.
Our team of experts will then examine on screen the inside of your upper gastrointestinal tract.
FAQs
Your doctor will be able to let you know the initial results of your gastroscopy the same day. Any biopsies taken during a gastroscopy will be sent to a lab for further analysis and you should get the results within three or four days. Our consultants will arrange an appointment with you to discuss the results and any further treatment required.
Gastroscopy is a safe procedure that is widely used. You may feel a little uncomfortable but gastroscopy should not be painful. During a gastroscopy, air may be passed through the tube to help our doctors see a clear image. This may make you feel a little bloated afterwards but this should pass after a few hours. You may also have a slightly sore throat for a day or two after the procedure. It is possible to have some bleeding, develop an infection or have a reaction to the sedation, however these effects are rare.
Before the gastroscopy, you may be given an anaesthetic to numb your throat. If you prefer, you will be able to have the procedure under sedation as this may make you more comfortable. Sedation is administered through an injection into a vein in your hand or arm and you will be given oxygen through a tube to your nostrils. You will be given a mouth guard and the endoscope will then be passed through your mouth into your oesophagus and stomach. This can cause gagging, but our team will be on hand to support you and make you as comfortable as possible. The gastroscopy takes around half an hour and you will be able to go home the same day. If you have had sedation, you will need to have someone with you for the following 24 hours but will otherwise be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you feel able.
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.