Upper GI Endoscopy | HMT St Hugh's Hospital

Upper GI Endoscopy

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What is an upper GI endoscopy?

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum using a flexible telescope.

What are the benefits of an upper GI endoscopy?

If the endoscopist (the person doing the endoscopy) finds a problem, they can perform biopsies (removing small pieces of tissue) to help make the diagnosis.

Are there any alternatives to an upper GI endoscopy?

A barium meal is an x-ray test of your upper digestive system.

A urea breath test can be used to detect a germ (helicobacter pylori) that can cause stomach ulcers.

What does the procedure involve?

An upper GI endoscopy usually takes about 10 minutes.

The endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help you to relax.

The endoscopist will place a flexible telescope (endoscope) into the back of your throat. From here the endoscope will pass into your duodenum.

The endoscopist will be able to look for problems such as inflammation or ulcers. They will be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis.

How soon will I recover?

If you were given a sedative, you will be transferred to the recovery area where you can rest. You will usually recover in about an hour but this depends on how much sedative you were given. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will pass.

You should be able to return to work the next day unless you are told otherwise.

The healthcare team will tell you what was found during the endoscopy and discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

Regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

Sore throat
Allergic reaction
Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
Heart attack or stroke can happen if you have serious medical problems
Infection
Making a hole in your oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
Damage to teeth or bridgework
Bleeding
Incomplete procedure

Availability

NHS/Private

Pricing*

Consultant

£158

Anaesthetist

107

Hospital

£1735

Prices start from

£2000

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

An upper GI endoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with the upper part of your digestive system.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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I can’t thank everyone enough for the amazing care given. Such lovely attentive nurses. I will definitely recommend St Hughs and Mr Riaz and his team. Brilliant hospital.

Could not fault anything about my stay in St Hughs. Everybody was wonderful. Thank you all.

Everybody was kind, considerate and a jolly bunch, which helps to put you at ease and gives you confidence in knowing that they know what they are doing. 5 stars.

All staff extremely kind, patient and friendly. A credit to the hospital. Thank you.

Very good hospital and very good staff. I have never met so many caring people in one place. The nursing was 1st class. The encouragement to walk was also very good.

I had an amazing experience during my time at St Hugh’s Hospital, from my initial consultation to the aftercare following my procedure. Communication with the cosmetic nurse was brilliant; every member of staff I met was kind respectful, caring and polite. My surgeon was fantastic, so professional and kind, I trusted his knowledge completely.