Gastroscopy (OGD)

An upper GI endoscopy is the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract and is considered more accurate than X-rays or scans for detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumours of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Overview

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What is a gastroscopy?

An upper endoscopy is a procedure that lets your gastroenterologist examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This allows them to diagnose and treat problems in this part of your digestive system.

The upper GI tract consists of the oesophagus (the gullet or food pipe), the stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

To carry out this procedure, your specialist will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a tiny camera, with its own lens and light source. They will view the images on a video monitor.

An upper GI endoscopy is also known as: an upper endoscopy, oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (ODG), esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), gastroscopy or panendoscopy.

At OneWelbeck Digestive Health in London, our world-class gastroenterology consultants can carry out an upper GI endoscopy as a day case surgery. They will use the latest medical technology to ensure this is a minimally invasive procedure. You should be able to return home the same day, without overnight hospital admission.

All OneWelbeck, private endoscopy procedures are carried out in first-class, comfortable surroundings, with high quality nursing care to suit your personal needs.

Why is a gastroscopy performed?

An upper GI endoscopy is the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. It’s also more accurate than X-rays or scans for detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumours of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

An upper GI endoscopy procedure can help your gastroenterologist to find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as:

  • Long-term heartburn
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting (being sick)
  • Persistent tummy pain (abdominal pain)
  • Problems swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Chest pain that is not caused by heart-related problems
  • Narrowing of the oesophagus
  • Unexplained weight loss

What can a gastroscopy diagnose?

An upper endoscopy can be used to identify different diseases and conditions:

Your gastroenterology consultant might use an upper endoscopy to obtain a biopsy (small tissue samples), which will help them to tell the difference between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tissues.

During a GI endoscopy, your consultant can pass narrow instruments through the endoscope to directly manage many problems in the GI tract. These treatments may involve stretching a narrowed area, removing polyps (usually non-cancerous growths) or treating bleeding.

Preparing for a gastroscopy

At OneWelbeck, you will receive a consultation with your gastroenterologist before the upper endoscopy procedure. They will explain what this involves, how to prepare for it, and answer any questions you may have. Tell them about any medications you take, as well as medical conditions you have, such as heart or lung disease.

Having an empty stomach will produce the best results for an upper endoscopy, so you should have nothing to eat for 6 hours, and nothing to drink 2 hours before the examination.

You may also need to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for several days in advance.

Your consultant will give you specific instructions about how to prepare for the procedure, and when to start fasting. It is important that you follow these instructions.

What does a gastroscopy involve?

At OneWelbeck in London, your endoscopy will be carried out by a leading gastroenterologist, supported by a multidisciplinary staff.  Your consultant may start by spraying your throat with a local anaesthetic or by giving you a sedative to help you relax.

You will then lie on your side, and an endoscope will be gently passed through your mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

The endoscope pumps air into your stomach and duodenum, which will make them easier to see. The endoscope should not interfere with your breathing.

Most patients do not find the procedure to be too uncomfortable, and many will fall asleep during the test. The upper GI endoscopy procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Our highly trained nurses at OneWelbeck will monitor your vital signs and keep you as comfortable as possible. You will not need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Recovering from a gastroscopy

After an upper GI endoscopy at OneWelbeck, you will be able to rest in a private, comfortable recovery area for around 1 to 2 hours, until most of the sedative has worn off.

Some results from an upper GI endoscopy will be available the same day, and your consultant will discuss these with you before you leave. The results of a biopsy may take a few days longer.

After the procedure, you may have a mild sore throat, feel bloated or experience cramps for a short time. These symptoms will improve with time.

The sedative will affect your reflexes for the rest of the day. So, it is important that you arrange to have someone to drive you home after the procedure. Do not drive or operate machinery until the next day.

Gastroscopy risks

An upper endoscopy is considered to be a safe procedure. Although complications after an upper endoscopy can occur, they are very rare when this procedure is performed by experienced gastroenterology specialists.

Your consultant at OneWelbeck will give you information about possible signs of complications to look out for. The My Recovery app will also provide you with some key guidelines about recovering from an upper endoscopy.

You can reduce your risk of complications by carefully following your consultant’s instructions about preparing for an endoscopy.

Test / diagnostic pricing

  • Gastroscopy: £1,540
  • Gastroscopy with colonoscopy: £2,475

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Overview

Average time of test

15 - 30 minutes

Any prep needed?

No food for 6 hours, and no drink 2 hours before...

What can a gastroscopy diagnose?

Post-test recovery

You may have mild sore throat, feel bloated or e...

Self-pay price

From £1,540

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This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

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Next Day Availability

We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.

Gastroscopy Specialists

We have brought together a group of leading colorectal and general surgeons and gastroenterologists to create our Digestive Health team. With over 300 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field and are all focused on delivering the very best patient care.

Earliest availability 19 Nov
Bookings are avaliable

Dr John Martin

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Specialist expertise: Colorectal Cancer Screening, Colonoscopy, Luminal Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastroenterology, Bowel Cancer Screening, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Advanced Polypectomy, Capsule Endoscopy, Changes in Bowel Habit, Rectal Bleeding, Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Small Bowel Pathology.

Earliest availability 21 Nov
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Dr Aymer Postgate

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Therapeutic Endoscopy, ERCP, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Therapeutic Colonoscopy, Capsule Endoscopy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Hepatobiliary Medicine, Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, General Hepatology, Changes in Bowel Habit, Anaemia, Abdominal Pain.

Earliest availability 22 Nov
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Dr Adam Haycock

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Specialist expertise: Therapeutic Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, Advanced Polypectomy, Polypectomy, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Barrett’s Oesophagus, Acid Reflux, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Stricture Dilatation.

Earliest availability 02 Dec
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Dr Ana Wilson

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Specialist expertise: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastroenterology, Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Stricture Dilatation, Radiation Proctopathy, Pelvic Radiation Disease, Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome.

Earliest availability 11 Dec
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Dr Lisa Das

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Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Colorectal Cancer Screening, Colonoscopy, Gastroenterology, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Emphasis on Women's Healthcare, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Diagnostic Endoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Capsule Endoscopy, Gastroscopy, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Advanced Polypectomy, Abnormal Liver Function, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, General Hepatology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy, Polypectomy, Rectal Bleeding, Functional Gut Disorders, Obesity, Coeliac Disease, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Professor Brian Saunders

Consultant Gastroenterologist and Specialist Endoscopist

Specialist expertise: Diagnostic and Screening Colonoscopy, Advanced Polypectomy, Gastroenterology, Bowel Cancer Screening, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastrointestinal Medicine, Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Gastroscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Advanced Tissue Resection, Colonic Polyps, Dyspepsia, Acid Reflux, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Capsule Enteroscopy.

Dr Farooq Rahman

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colonoscopy, Intestinal Failure, Coeliac Disease, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Gastroscopy, Polypectomy, Short Bowel Syndrome.

Dr Maxton Pitcher

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Acid Reflux, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Bowel Cancer Screening, Polypectomy, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Abdominal Pain, Indigestion, Rectal Bleeding, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Bowel Cancer, Coeliac Disease, Achalasia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Dyspepsia, Eosinophilic Oesophagitis, Barrett’s Oesophagus, Colonic Polyps, Oesophageal Dilatation, Oesophageal Cancer, Peptic Ulcer.

Dr Evangelos Russo

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Therapeutic Colonoscopy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastroenterology, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux, Investigation and Management of Reflux, Advanced Polypectomy, Capsule Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, Dyspepsia, Abdominal Pain, Constipation, BRAVO Endoscopy.

Dr Devinder Bansi

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Diagnostic Endoscopy, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Investigation and Management of Reflux, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea, Gastroenterology, Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders, Gastrointestinal Medicine, Gastrointestinal Specialty, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Management of Acid-Related Disorders, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Dyspepsia, Swallowing Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Disease, Acid-related Disorders.

Dr Matthew Banks

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Acid Reflux, Barrett’s Oesophagus, Colonoscopy, Early Cancer Detection, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Gastroenterology, Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders, Gastrointestinal Medicine, Gastrointestinal Specialty, Endoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diarrhoea, HALO Radiofrequency Ablation, Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Colonic Polyps, Abnormal Liver Function, Achalasia, Constipation, Gastrointestinal Cancer.

Professor Julian Teare

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Colonoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Abdominal Pain, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastroenterology, Diarrhoea, Colonic Polyps.

Dr Matthew Foxton

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Specialist expertise: General Hepatology, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Liver Cirrhosis, Fatty Liver Disease, Alcoholic Liver Disease, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Liver Function Tests, Viral Hepatitis, Fibroscan, Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Dyspepsia, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr Jason Dunn

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Barrett’s Oesophagus, Bowel Disease, Gastroenterology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Colonic Polyps, Diarrhoea, Abdominal Pain, Lynch Syndrome, Dyspepsia, Constipation, Acid Reflux, HALO Radiofrequency Ablation, Indigestion, Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection, Eosinophilic Oesophagitis, Colonoscopy, Nutrition, Globus, Trans Nasal Endoscopy.

Professor Ailsa Hart

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Changes in Bowel Habit, Abdominal Pain, Endoscopy, Gut Microbiome, Gastroenterology, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Bloating, Diarrhoea, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy.

Dr Simon Peake

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Acid Reflux, Management of Acid-Related Disorders, Abdominal Pain, Changes in Bowel Habit, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Medicine, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, Advanced Polypectomy, Polypectomy, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Capsule Endoscopy, Diarrhoea, Bowel Cancer, Bowel Cancer Screening, Colonic Polyps, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Bloating.

Dr Panagiotis Vlavianos

Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Hepatobiliary Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Liver, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Disease, Pancreatitis, Abdominal Pain, Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Motility Disorders, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Diarrhoea, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, Sphincter of Odd Dysfunction.

Dr Chris Wadsworth

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Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Hepatobiliary Medicine, Gastroenterology, Colonoscopy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Pancreatic Disorders, Changes in Bowel Habit, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Polypectomy, Abnormal Liver Function, Abdominal Pain, Liver Disease, Pancreas Disease, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Mr Oliver Warren

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Specialist expertise: Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Groin Hernias, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Minimally Invasive Surgery, General Surgery, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, HALO Radiofrequency Ablation, Rafaelo Procedure, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Pilonidal Disease, Haemorrhoids, Anal Fistula, Anal fissure, Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Dr Angad Dhillon

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Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: