This procedure can help find out if there's a problem with the upper part of your digestive system.
A gastroscopy is a camera test we undertake in order to visualise your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). It can also be called an upper GI endoscopy, or an OGD (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy).
Gastroscopies help to diagnose oesophageal and stomach cancers, as well as inflammation, ulcers and any narrowing of the upper GI tract. Our state-of-the-art screening facilities allow your specialist LDH consultant to take samples of your gastrointestinal tract, which we can then look at microscopically to provide an exact diagnosis.
What happens during a gastroscopy?
The gastroscopy usually lasts around five minutes and you’ll need to have an empty stomach beforehand. It is carried out after you’ve been given a local anaesthetic mouth spray or sedative injection. You’ll be asked to lie on your left side.
Your consultant will follow these steps:
Pass a thin camera through your mouth and into the oesophagus.
Guide the camera down to look more closely into the stomach and duodenum.
They may take samples of these areas using small forceps that are passed through the endoscope.
You should receive your gastroscopy results before you go home, or a few days after if biopsies were taken.
Contact us
If you have any questions about London Digestive Health, you can get in touch with us by phone or email. We'll be happy to answer any questions and can also help you book an appointment.
Email: ldh@hcahealthcare.co.uk
Call: 020 7616 7645