GI Investigations · Patient Guide
Do I Need a Gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy examines the gullet, stomach and duodenum. It answers upper-gut questions colonoscopy can't — but not every case of heartburn needs one.
A gastroscopy (OGD) passes a thin camera through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel. It takes only a few minutes, but knowing whether your symptoms genuinely warrant it — rather than a trial of treatment or a simpler test — is the decision that matters.
What a gastroscopy can find
Gastroscopy identifies inflammation of the oesophagus and stomach, ulcers, hiatus hernias, coeliac disease (via duodenal biopsies), Barrett's oesophagus and tumours. Biopsies can be taken painlessly during the test, including for Helicobacter pylori infection.
When this test is usually indicated
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing — this always warrants investigation
- Indigestion or reflux that persists despite treatment, or returns when treatment stops
- New indigestion-type symptoms over the age of 55
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia (often alongside colonoscopy)
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools — urgently
- Confirming coeliac disease after a positive blood test
Two symptoms that should never wait
Vomiting blood, or black tarry stools, can indicate active upper-GI bleeding and needs same-day emergency assessment — not an outpatient booking.
When it may not be the right test
- Occasional heartburn that responds to simple antacids or a short course of acid suppression
- Typical reflux in a younger patient with no alarm features — a treatment trial usually comes first
- Bloating alone with normal blood tests and no red flags
- Testing for H. pylori — a breath or stool test is simpler as a first step
For straightforward reflux without alarm features, guidelines support treating first and scoping only if symptoms persist or red flags appear. A breath or stool test for H. pylori, and coeliac blood tests, often precede endoscopy.
What happens if you do need it
Gastroscopy is a short day-case test done with local anaesthetic throat spray, light sedation, or both. Mr Papettas holds JAG accreditation in gastroscopy as well as colonoscopy, so upper and lower examinations can be combined in one visit where both are needed — common in anaemia investigation. Privately, appointments are usually available within days.
Frequently asked questions
Is gastroscopy painful?
Uncomfortable rather than painful, and brief. Throat spray alone suits many people; sedation is available if you'd rather remember nothing.
Do I need a gastroscopy for reflux?
Not usually at first. Persistent symptoms despite treatment, difficulty swallowing, weight loss or anaemia are what tip the balance towards endoscopy.
What is Barrett's oesophagus?
A change in the lining of the lower gullet caused by long-standing reflux, which slightly raises cancer risk and is monitored by planned surveillance gastroscopies.
Can gastroscopy and colonoscopy be done together?
Yes, commonly under one sedation on the same visit — frequently done when investigating iron-deficiency anaemia.
How long does the test take?
Typically five to ten minutes, with an hour or two in the unit overall for admission and recovery.
How do I arrange one privately?
A consultation first, then the test usually within days at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital — call 01926 935121.
Related reading
Unsure whether you need this test?
Mr Trif Papettas FRCS is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital, Leamington Spa, and a JAG dual-accredited endoscopist. A consultation settles which investigation, if any, your symptoms actually need — and if a test is indicated, it can usually be arranged within days.
Self-referrals welcome · No GP letter required · Self-pay and insured patients seen at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital, Leamington Spa CV32 6RW