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Gastroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach), your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
It’s performed using a narrow, flexible, telescopic camera called a gastroscope. The gastroscope is swallowed and passed down your oesophagus into your stomach and then into the duodenum.
A referral for Gastroscopy is required. This can come from, our Gastroenterology service, our private GP or a consultant or GP you have previously seen regarding your symptoms.
Quite commonly, you'll be seen by a consultant Gastroenterologist in our Gastroenterology service before being referred for an Endoscopy.
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Whilst most healthcare organisations require a GP referral for a specialist service, here at LivingCare we can produce that GP referral for you through our team of Private GPs
With one phone call, one email or one message we can get you booked in for a consultation.
We do not want you waiting around feeling ill. We will let you choose when you come and see us, rather than telling you when we are free.
Our specialist consultants can provide a full pathway including some of the best technology in the world. We can provide you with support from first symptoms through to investigation and treatment.
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Attend your appointment on your chosen date and time to see our highly qualified consultant.
We'll refer you for any further tests, treatments or reviews you might need, and take care of the booking processes following your appointment.
We understand that immediate access to healthcare is sometimes essential. With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists. Within 24 hours, you will be offered a consultation date to see a medical professional that is convenient for you. Our expert team can then give you an assessment and treatment within 1 week of your consultation.
Your consultation and any tests, scans or investigations will be charged separately, however all of these costs will be quoted to you before anything commences and you are under no obligation to continue your treatment with us unless you are happy to do so.
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If you are paying for your procedure or treatment with medical insurance, you will need to liaise closely with the insurance provider throughout the process.
Before attending your first appointment, you should contact your insurance company to check that that your condition is covered for all stages of treatments.
You will need to visit your GP and ask them to refer you to The LivingCare Group at Thorpe Park Clinic for a private procedure. Your GP will write a letter of referral and then either you or your GP can contact us to arrange your first appointment.
A gastroscopy can be used to see if there are any growths or ulcers in your oesophagus, stomach or duodenum, and can be used to take a biopsy.
A Gastroscopy can also help find out what is causing symptoms such as:
It can be used to help diagnose certain gastrointestinal conditions such as:
Your Gastroscopy appointment can be at any of the following sites:
If you have already received an appointment from us and you wish to change to a different site, you will need to call us on 0113 249 4655 to rearrange this.
A new letter will be sent to you with appropriate directions and appointment information.
Depending on your symptoms, it may be possible to diagnose your condition using different or additional tests, such as an X-ray, MRI scan or ultrasound scan. You will be able to discuss this at your consultation, or depending on your symptoms, when speaking to a member of our team before booking.
Before we go ahead with your Gastroscopy a referral is required. This can come from, our gastroenterology service, our private GP or a consultant or GP you have previously seen regarding your symptoms.
We try to make your Gastroscopy experience as easy and relaxed as possible. You will discuss all appropriate preparation details during your consultation, however, here is a brief explanation of what you could expect:
If you take insulin or blood thinning drugs as you will need special advice on how to prepare for the test.
You should not eat or drink anything for six hours before your appointment. This is to make sure your stomach is empty so the endoscopist can have a clear view of your stomach. This includes boiled sweets and chewing gum. It is unsafe to perform a procedure if the stomach is not empty.
For patients on warfarin, you will need to have an INR blood test 48 hours before your appointment. Please arrange this with your own GP and bring the results with you. The test cannot go ahead without this result.
You will be told which medication you must not take. Other usual tablets may be taken with a small sip of water. Before the procedure the health team will carry out several checks and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
A Gastroscopy takes approximately 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but shouldn't be painful.
Most people have the test with a local anaesthetic throat spray to numb the throat and allow the scope to pass comfortably. If medically appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help you relax. If you decide to have a sedative this will be given through a needle in your arm or the back of your hand.
The local anaesthetic is sprayed onto your throat and you will be asked to swallow it. It can taste unpleasant. You will be asked to lay on your left side and place a mouthpiece into your mouth. Your oxygen levels and pulse will be monitored by a small clip on your finger, and you may have some additional oxygen through small tubes in your nose.
The endoscopist will place the gastroscope down your throat. A swallow can help ease the gastroscope down your oesophagus into your stomach. The endoscopist will be able to look into your duodenum and take small pieces of tissue if required (biopsies) or photographs. You may feel bloated after the test.
Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there to help and support you every step of the way.
Visit our page www.livingcare.co.uk/endoscopy for a full FAQ and walkthrough video regarding Endoscopy procedures
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