Recovery & Results

A referral from your GP or specialist is required to ensure the procedure is clinically appropriate for your needs. Once we receive your referral, we will contact you to book your appointment; for any other questions, please contact us here.

t is used to investigate ongoing symptoms or monitor known conditions like ulcers, Gastritis, or Coeliac disease. During the procedure, we can take tiny, painless tissue samples (biopsies) for closer examination.

Most patients choose "conscious sedation," which makes you feel very sleepy and relaxed. While you remain conscious and able to breathe on your own, most patients remember very little of the 15-minute procedure afterward. 

Most medications can be taken as usual with a small sip of water. However, it is essential to notify us at least a week in advance if you are taking blood-thinners (such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban) or if you are diabetic, as these will require specific adjustments. Aspirin can be continued without interruption. If you take antacids or reflux medication, we will advise you whether to continue or pause these before the test to ensure the most accurate results.

A gastroscopy is considered very safe, and serious complications are extremely rare. Minor side effects can include a temporary sore throat or a feeling of bloating from the CO2 used. While rare, more significant risks include a reaction to the sedation, minor bleeding (especially if a biopsy is taken), or a small tear in the lining (perforation). Your specialist will discuss these with you in detail and answer any questions before the procedure begins.

You can usually eat and drink normally once the numbness in your throat has worn off, which typically takes about an hour. If you received sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and should rest for the remainder of the day.

Biopsies are often obtained, and can be taken painlessly through the scope. These samples are then sent to a laboratory to check for conditions like H. pylori infections or coeliac disease. We will provide a preliminary explanation of the findings on the day. If biopsies were taken, the final laboratory processing can take around 1-2 weeks.