Endoscopy

An endoscopy is an investigative test that looks inside your body without making surgical incisions. Endoscopies show several body structures including joints, intestines, lungs and the pelvis area. 

At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Specialist Care, we perform endoscopies in adults and children to investigate digestive symptoms.  

Our dedicated team puts your needs at the forefront of everything they do and will ensure that you receive the best care.  

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy, sometimes called an oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy or gastroscopy, is an investigative procedure that looks at your upper digestive system with a camera. Gastroenterology specialists will generally perform an endoscopy without anaesthetic and you can normally go home on the same day. 

During an endoscopy, your specialist will pass a thin, flexible tube with a video camera on one end down your throat and into your upper gastrointestinal (GI) system. While the procedure isn’t painful, you may feel some mild discomfort.  

Our team will ensure your endoscopy goes smoothly and will keep you fully informed throughout. We’ll provide all the information you need beforehand so you understand exactly what will happen during your procedure.

Who is an endoscopy for?

A doctor might recommend an endoscopy if you’re experiencing digestive symptoms such as:  

 abdominal pain 

• bloating 
• difficulty swallowing 
• heartburn 
• nausea and vomiting 

An endoscopy can also help doctors diagnose various digestive conditions and collect tissue samples (biopsies) to rule out or confirm a diagnosis.  

Finally, they can use an endoscopy to treat bleeding vessels in your upper GI system, widen your oesophagus, or remove a growth (polyp).

What does an endoscopy show? 

An upper endoscopy can show signs of different digestive conditions, including:  

• Barrett’s oesophagus 
• coeliac disease 
• gastritis 
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) 
• polyps 
• stomach cancer 
• stomach ulcers 

An endoscopy can be more accurate than an X-ray for diagnosing issues with your upper gastrointestinal system. This is because it provides a clear picture of your upper digestive system using a high-quality camera.

How to prepare for your endoscopy

Before your endoscopy, you must follow specific preparation instructions.  

Preparations usually include:  

• fasting for a number of hours before your appointment to ensure your stomach is empty 
• stopping certain medications (only do this with your doctor’s guidance) 

You should also think about how you’ll get home from the hospital if you request a sedative, as you won’t be able to drive. You may also want to take the day off work or keep your child off school to recover from the sedative fully.

How is an endoscopy performed? 

We perform adult endoscopy as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home on the same day. We may use a sedative if you’re particularly nervous about the procedure. We might also give you a liquid or spray to apply to the back of your throat to temporarily stop your gag reflex from working. 

Once you’re ready, we’ll pass the endoscope down your throat and into your stomach. Then, we’ll fill your stomach with air so that we can see your organs more easily on camera. 

During your endoscopy, we might take a biopsy or stop any bleeding in the area that’s potentially causing your symptoms. We might also perform other procedures, such as widening narrowed sections of your oesophagus.  

We’ll tell you what we’re planning before the procedure begins, so you’re fully informed throughout the process.

Children’s endoscopy

We perform endoscopies in children and may use a general anaesthetic as they might have difficulty staying still during the procedure, which can cause complications. However, if they’re asleep during the procedure, we can ensure their safety and perform the endoscopy without encountering unnecessary issues. 

Once your child’s endoscopy is complete, we’ll take them to the recovery room, where you can greet them as they wake up.  

If your child needs an endoscopy, we’ll ensure that your child is always comfortable and safe. The paediatric experts who lead our children’s gastroenterology services will support both parent and child throughout.

How long does an endoscopy take?

An endoscopy usually takes around 15 minutes to complete.  

Sometimes, it may take longer depending on sedation and if we perform any other procedures simultaneously.

Are there any side effects of an endoscopy?

After your endoscopy, it can take some time for the sedative or throat-numbing medicine to wear off. However, you can usually go home on the same day.  

It’s normal for you to feel slightly bloated or have a mild sore throat afterwards. This will generally wear off over the next day or so.

There is a small risk of complications, but our team takes every precaution to minimise them.  

Possible risks include:  

• bleeding 
• infection  
• tearing or injury to the gastrointestinal tract

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child develop symptoms such as:

• a fever 
• chest pain 
• dark or bloody poo 
• difficulty swallowing 
• shortness of breath 
• stomach pain that’s getting worse 
• vomiting

Helping your child recover at home 

After their endoscopy, your child may feel groggy from the anaesthetic when they wake up. They might also experience some bloating and a sore throat. Try to help your child drink enough fluids to soothe their throat. Passing wind may reduce their bloating.  

They’ll need to stay off school for the day of their procedure and remain at home until they’re feeling better and the anaesthetic has completely worn off, which may be another day or 2.

Endoscopy results

Your endoscopy results may rule out or confirm a diagnosis. However, they may also indicate you need further testing. Sometimes, an endoscopy doesn’t find any apparent reason for your symptoms, but we’ll talk you through what this means and if further investigative tests are needed. 

We’ll help you manage any diagnosis you receive through a personalised treatment plan based on your needs. Our gastroenterology services are comprehensive, so you can be sure that your diagnosis is accurate.