Gastroscopy in Banbury, Oxfordshire | The New Foscote Hospital

A nurse operates scanning equipment in the Endocrinology Department

A nurse takes a patient's blood pressure

An Insightful Procedure

A gastroscopy, also known as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is an endoscopic procedure. An umbrella term for using a long, thin tube with a camera to look inside your body.

In this case, the approach is used to look at the inside of your throat, oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum (upper small intestine).

You could be having problems swallowing, unexplained nausea, ongoing indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain. A gastroscopy can help your consultant to identify underlying causes.

Gastroscopy is the best route to see cysts, ulcers, or stomach, or throat cancers. Bringing rapid treatment for conditions which are unpleasant, perhaps life threatening.

Apart from providing insight, the procedure can be used to take biopsies, or for treatment. An intrinsic part of caring for areas we can’t see, yet matter so much.

Who Might Need a Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopies or upper GI endoscopies can help with the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions including:

Polyps and cysts
Stomach ulcers
Stomach and throat cancers

Private Gastroscopy Fees

A gastroscopy at The New Foscote Hospital can cost as little as £1,300. You will also need to have a consultation with one of our expert doctors in order to be referred for a gastroscopy.

You can self-refer for a consultation with any of our expert consultants. Consultations typically cost between £150-£250, and are available to both self-pay and insured patients.

If you are interested in booking a consultation for your gastroscopy, fill out the form or get in touch on 01295 252281 or info@foscote.hospital

How to pay

There are two ways you can pay for your treatment at The New Foscote Hospital, through your insurance, or self-payment.

Insurance

For those with an insurance policy that covers the treatment

Self-pay

For people funding the treatment themselves

Combined Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy

If you are having problems all through your digestive system, then you may be advised to have a combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy. This means that both procedures will be undertaken at the same time so that doctors can get a full understanding of your entire system.

Find out more about colonoscopy

Private Gastroscopy Without Referral

At The New Foscote Hospital, patients can self-refer to any of our consultants, who can then refer you for a gastroscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

That means that you don’t need a referral from your normal doctor or GP for your gastroscopy.

What to Expect From The Procedure

A gastroscopy is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can simply come to the hospital for the procedure, and leave again once it’s done.

Preparing For Your Gastroscopy

You will need to make sure that you do not eat or drink for a minimum of 6 hours before your appointment. This ensures that there’s nothing in your system when you have the procedure.
During Your Gastroscopy

To ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible, you may be offered painkillers or a sedative for your gastroscopy.

Once you’re comfortable, a small tube will go into your mouth, down your throat and into your stomach. This won’t hurt, but you may feel uncomfortable and like you need to be sick, sedation usually helps with this sensation.

Air will be pumped into your stomach so that the camera can get a good view of everything, this may make you feel bloated and it’s very normal for patients to burp during the procedure.

Doctors will view the images of your insides in real time, and if there are any polyps found, they will either remove them, or take a sample for biopsy.

Typically appointments last between 30-60 minutes.
After Your Gastroscopy

As soon as you feel well enough, you will be able to go home. If you’ve had sedation, then it’s important that you do not drive yourself home, and someone should remain with you for the next 24 hours.

You may have a little soreness or pain in your throat and stomach just after your procedure, but this should only last a few hours.

Then our expert team will examine your results, discuss them with your consultant, and be in touch quickly with your diagnosis and next steps.

A gastroscopy can be a hugely helpful diagnostic procedure, but it can also feel a little daunting. Our team will be with you every step of the way so that you feel calm and confident and know exactly what to expect.

Professor Simon Travis

Consultant Gastroenterologist

A nurse prepares equipment in the Endocrinology department

Why Choose The New Foscote?

Not only are our waiting times shorter, at The New Foscote Hospital we provide the highest standards of care from our professional team and our outstanding facilities.

Exceptional Facilities

We have a dedicated endoscopy department and team, providing patients with a relaxing atmosphere, so you will feel calm and confident throughout your procedure.
Renowned Consultants

The New Foscote Hospital works with some of the UK’s most prominent consultants and consultant surgeons, ensuring you receive the very best advice, care and treatment.