Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is a procedure to examine your oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and the first part of your small intestine to investigate any symptoms or problems. The procedure is carried out using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube fitted with a small light and camera. The camera sends detailed images of your upper gastrointestinal system back to a monitor viewed by your consultant or specialist nurse.   

Who is suitable for a gastroscopy?

If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain, heartburn or indigestion, pain or difficulty swallowing, or low levels of iron, your gastroenterologist may recommend a gastroscopy to: 

  • Investigate these symptoms and problems 
  • Diagnose conditions such as coeliac disease  
  • Screen for cancer   
  • Check for any growths or polyps 
  • Take small samples of tissue (biopsies) 
  • Treat some conditions, such as bleeding.   

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Contact our Self-Pay team

We offer a range of self-pay package options, including flexible Hospital Packages and all-inclusive Fixed Price Packages.

 

Request an appointment >

 

+44 (0)20 7244 4886

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What does a gastroscopy involve? ​

A gastroscopy usually takes about 5-10 minutes, although it can take longer if it’s being used to treat a problem. Your consultant or specialist nurse will place the endoscope in the back of your mouth, which will have been numbed with an anaesthetic spray. They will then ask you to swallow the first part of the tube, before guiding it gently down your oesophagus and into your stomach. The procedure isn’t painful, but it can feel uncomfortable. You may choose to have a local anaesthetic. Video images sent from the endoscope will enable your doctor to examine your upper gastrointestinal system.   

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What can you do to prepare for a gastroscopy?

Your consultant will discuss with you how you can prepare. You may be asked to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before the procedure. 

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What is the recovery period?

A gastroscopy is usually performed without local or general anaesthetic. It can feel uncomfortable, but the procedure only takes a few minutes and most people can go home straight after the examination. You may have a slightly sore throat when the anaesthetic spray wears off. This can last a day or two.  

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Self-pay package

As well as working with all major insurance companies, we also welcome patients who wish to pay for themselves. Below is an outline of our self-pay hospital package which includes tests, hospital stay, and procedure.

Please note: it does not include consultant fees, which may vary. 

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Hospital package from £2,070 (daycase).

When enquiring about this package, please quote G4430.

Included in the package price: 

  • histology tests 
  • recovery time in the endoscopy suite  
  • nursing 
  • theatre procedure and anaesthetics 

Excluded from the package price:

  • consultant consultation fee  
  • post-op and discharge medication 
  • neurophysiology, dietician, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy 
  • non-standard diagnostic and histology tests 
  • any additional costs not specified in the package inclusions  

Hospital package from £2,070 (daycase).

When enquiring about this package, please quote G4410.

Included in the package price: 

  • histology tests 
  • recovery time in the endoscopy suite  
  • nursing 
  • theatre procedure and anaesthetics 

Excluded from the package price:

  • consultant consultation fee  
  • post-op and discharge medication 
  • neurophysiology, dietician, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy 
  • non-standard diagnostic and histology tests 
  • any additional costs not specified in the package inclusions  

Why choose Cromwell Hospital?

We have a team of highly experienced consultants, who have developed their skills and knowledge working on varied caseloads at leading NHS teaching hospitals in London.

Our consultants work in a multidisciplinary team, which includes specialist nurses, radiographers, and diagnostic experts. Working together, they will tailor your care to your needs. 

Our diagnostic service uses the latest technology and an on-site laboratory for speedy test results. 

We move fast. If you get in touch, we can offer a consultation to assess your case the next day. 

We also offer a rapid route through to surgery, so you can be seen, cared for and recover in the fastest time possible.  

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Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.