Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is a procedure where your consultant will use an endoscope (fibre-optic flexible tube) to look into the area which contains the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

This will give your consultant a thorough view of the focused area.

A gastroscopy may be advised if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:

• Recurring heartburn

• pains in the upper abdomen

• difficulty swallowing

• repeated vomiting

There are certain conditions that can be checked by a gastroscopy and these include:

• inflammation of the stomach

• stomach ulcers

• cancer of the stomach and oesophagus

• inflammation of the oesophagus

A gastroscopy can also be used to obtain tissue samples from the area for further investigation and examination if necessary.

The operation takes usually about ten minutes and you will be allowed home the same day.

Please do discuss any questions you may have with your consultant prior to the procedure.

This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.