Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy)
What is Gastroscopy (OCD)?
Also known as Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, a gastroscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum using a flexible telescope.

Figure 1
Upper GI endoscopy
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What happens during a gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy usually takes about 10 minutes. We may offer you a sedative to help you relax, or spray local anaesthetic on the back of your throat meaning this area will be numb throughout the procedure.
A small mouth guard will be placed between your teeth to protect them.
Your consultant will place a flexible tube called an endoscope into the back of your throat and down into your stomach. You may be asked to swallow to help guide the tube. From here the endoscope will pass on into your duodenum. They will be able to look for problems in these organs such as inflammation or ulcers. The endoscope will not interfere with your breathing but initially, you may experience a retching sensation. If you have a lot of saliva, suction similar to that used at the dentist may be used.
Your consultant will also be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis. When the examination is complete your consultant will gently remove the endoscope.
Gastroscopy recovery
If you were given a sedative, you will normally recover in about an hour. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will pass. When the local anaesthetic in the back of your throat wears off you can drink and eat normally.
Your consultant will tell you what was found during the endoscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.
You may develop a sore throat or dry mouth and slight hoarseness, following the procedure. Throat lozenges and saltwater gargles can ease these symptoms.
You should be able to go back to work the day after the endoscopy. Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following a gastroscopy.
Gastroscopy Information leaflets:
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy with Bravo pH capsule
Gastroscopy with Dilatation
Gastroscopy with Oesophageal Stent
Gastroscopy aftercare advice
Therapeutic procedures offered: Bravo pH test, Dilatation, Insertion of metal stent, Oesophageal varices banding, Argon Plasma Coagulation and Botox injection.
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Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy) Consultants
Clinical Interests
General surgery – oesophago-gastric cancer, anti-reflux surgery, gallstones, hernias, laparoscopic surgery and...
Clinical Interests
General surgery – oesophago-gastric cancer, anti-reflux surgery, gallstones, hernias, laparoscopic surgery and...
Clinical Interests
Biliary disease
Cancer
Gastroscopies
Hiatal hernia
Motility disorders of the oesophagus
Oesophagogastric cancer
Reflux
Upper...
Clinical Interests
Biliary disease
Cancer
Gastroscopies
Hiatal hernia
Motility disorders of the oesophagus
Oesophagogastric cancer
Reflux
Upper...
Qualifications
MBBS (Lond) MRCP (UK) FRCP FEBGH PhD (UCL)
Clinical Interests
Minimally-invasive Testing
Advanced Endoscopy including OGD, Colonoscopy, ERCP, Removal of Polyps, Enteral Stenting,...
Qualifications
MBBS (Lond) MRCP (UK) FRCP FEBGH PhD (UCL)
Clinical Interests
Minimally-invasive Testing
Advanced Endoscopy including OGD, Colonoscopy, ERCP, Removal of Polyps, Enteral Stenting,...
Qualifications
MA MB BChir MRCP PhD
Clinical Interests
Abdominal pain
Acid reflux
Bleeding
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel problems
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Endoscopy (specialist...
Qualifications
MA MB BChir MRCP PhD
Clinical Interests
Abdominal pain
Acid reflux
Bleeding
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel problems
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Endoscopy (specialist...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS FRCP
Clinical Interests
Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, dyspepsia, Crohns disease and ulceractive colitis, liver and pancreatobiliary...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS FRCP
Clinical Interests
Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, dyspepsia, Crohns disease and ulceractive colitis, liver and pancreatobiliary...
Qualifications
MD FRCP PhD(Edin) FACG
Clinical Interests
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and nutrition. Dyspepsia and fatty liver.
Qualifications
MD FRCP PhD(Edin) FACG
Clinical Interests
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and nutrition. Dyspepsia and fatty liver.
Qualifications
MS FRCS (Gen Surg)
Clinical Interests
Investigation and treatment of lower gastrointestinal disorders including:
Bowel cancer
Bowel polyps
Inflammatory disorders...
Qualifications
MS FRCS (Gen Surg)
Clinical Interests
Investigation and treatment of lower gastrointestinal disorders including:
Bowel cancer
Bowel polyps
Inflammatory disorders...
Qualifications
BSc MD FRCS
Clinical Interests
General surgery. Laparoscopic surgery. Colorectal surgery, colonoscopy and endoscopy. Minor operations.
Qualifications
BSc MD FRCS
Clinical Interests
General surgery. Laparoscopic surgery. Colorectal surgery, colonoscopy and endoscopy. Minor operations.
Qualifications
MD FRCS(Ed)
Clinical Interests
General surgery, colorectal surgery and laparoscopic surgery
Qualifications
MD FRCS(Ed)
Clinical Interests
General surgery, colorectal surgery and laparoscopic surgery
Qualifications
MB ChB MS(Lon) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Gen Surg)
Clinical Interests
Bowel cancer, hernia surgery, gallstones, colonoscopy, haemorrhoids, anal fistula and fissures, and complex pilonidal...
Qualifications
MB ChB MS(Lon) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Gen Surg)
Clinical Interests
Bowel cancer, hernia surgery, gallstones, colonoscopy, haemorrhoids, anal fistula and fissures, and complex pilonidal...
Clinical Interests
Colorectal surgery, including haemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. Endocrine conditions, including thyroid disorders, goitres,...
Clinical Interests
Colorectal surgery, including haemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. Endocrine conditions, including thyroid disorders, goitres,...
Qualifications
MBBS MS (Gen Surgery) FRCS
Clinical Interests
Hernia Surgery – Open & Laparoscopic
Gallstone / Gallbladder surgery
Rectal Bleeding
Treatment of haemorrhoids...
Qualifications
MBBS MS (Gen Surgery) FRCS
Clinical Interests
Hernia Surgery – Open & Laparoscopic
Gallstone / Gallbladder surgery
Rectal Bleeding
Treatment of haemorrhoids...