Gastroscopy
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.
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What is it for?
To examine the upper GI tract to identify the cause of symptoms
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.
FAQ's
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.
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.
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.