The information on this page is general in nature and should be used as a guide only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Your treatment options will be discussed during a consultation based on your diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Dr Will Anderson is an expert in providing thorough assessment and endoscopy services for patients with symptoms affecting the upper digestive tract.
A gastroscopy allows direct examination of the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine using a thin, flexible camera. It can help identify the cause of symptoms such as persistent indigestion, reflux, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained anaemia or signs of bleeding.
A gastroscopy allows direct examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) using a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth. It is commonly recommended when patients experience upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion or reflux, unexplained anaemia, vomiting, or signs of bleeding such as black stools. Gastroscopy can identify conditions including ulcers, inflammation, infection, coeliac disease, helicobacter pylori, and, less commonly, cancers of the upper digestive tract.
A gastroscopy may be recommended to investigate symptoms such as ongoing reflux, indigestion, upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained anaemia, vomiting or signs of bleeding.
Most people find gastroscopy straightforward and well tolerated. Throat spray and sedation are used to help make the procedure more comfortable.
The procedure itself usually takes around 10–15 minutes, followed by a short recovery period while the sedation wears off.
Yes. Small tissue samples can be taken during the procedure if required. This is painless and allows the laboratory to assess the tissue in more detail.
The findings from your gastroscopy will be discussed with your straight after the procedure. If biopsies are taken, results may take up 3 weeks.
A referral from your GP is generally required to arrange a specialist consultation. We can provide guidance if you have questions about the referral process. Feel free to contact us.
