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Gastroscopy or Upper GI Endoscopy

Gastroscopy or Upper GI Endoscopy

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The endoscope has a light and small camera at one end, that sends images directly to a screen for the endoscopist to review.

Endo Wires

You have been advised to undergo this investigation to find the cause for your symptoms, help with treatment and if necessary, to decide on further investigation. There are many reasons for this investigation including:

  • Indigestion or acid reflux
  • Anaemia
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Passing black motions
  • Vomiting blood
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Diagnosing Coeliac Disease
  • Upper abdominal pain

Generally, an Upper GI will be over in less than 15 minutes, and you will be allowed to go home on the same day.

It is important that you are comfortable during the procedure to ensure that the endoscopist can perform the procedure successfully.

Before the procedure, your throat will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. You can also choose to have a sedative if you prefer. This means you will still be awake but will be drowsy and have reduced awareness about what’s happening.

CHEC Patient

While you are waiting for your gastroscopy, maintain a healthy diet and avoid anything that may make your symptoms worse. Cutting down alcohol and stopping smoking often helps with many conditions that affect the gullet and stomach. Unless advised by a doctor, do not use over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen).

Once your Gastroscopy is scheduled, we will send you instructions about how to prepare ahead of your appointment.

You will be asked not to have anything to eat for at least 6 hours before the procedure, but small sips of water can be taken until two hours before your appointment. This will ensure your stomach is empty and the doctor will have a clear view during the test.

If you’re taking a medicine to thin your blood, such as warfarin or clopidogrel, you may need to stop taking it for a few days before having an endoscopy. This is to help prevent bleeding during the procedure. However, do not stop taking any prescribed medicine unless a GP or specialist tells you to.

After the procedure you will be given some time to recover from the procedure. If you chose to have anaesthetic throat spray, you will be offered a cold drink when the sensation in your throat has returned to normal.

If you received sedation, it usually takes 30 minutes for the initial effects of sedation to wear off. In some cases, people may feel fully alert immediately after the procedure. While you recover, you will have your oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate monitored by our nurses. The sedation can remain in your blood system for up to 24 hours and you may feel drowsy with some lapses of memory.

You won’t be able to drive after having sedation, so you will need to arrange for someone to escort you home and supervise you for a 24-hour period.

Patient Testimonials

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    Superb cataract surgery

    Exquisite and exemplary cataract customer service from booking to surgery follow-up appointments. The staff throughout both procedures have been extremely supportive, professional, and compassionate.

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    Excellent practice

    The nurse clearly explained what checks she was about to carry out and made me feel relaxed during the process.

    Trevor Wood

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    Fantastic service

    I was terrified of undergoing the procedure, but the Endoscopist and the nurses present were wonderful and made an uncomfortable procedure as pleasant as possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who were present.

    Gayle Taylor

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    Credit to the NHS

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    It was a very quick process from the consultation to the procedure. Very friendly and helpful staff.

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    The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much.

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    I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery.

    Nigel Morgan

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    Anonymous

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