Endoscopy

Rapid access to scope procedures with no lengthy waiting time
Only 7 days from referral to procedure for red flag cases
Helps identify inflammation, ulcers, and tumours

Scope Clinic

At the Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group, we have a team of locally based Consultant Gastroenterologists and GI Surgeons across Belfast and the North West who can deliver an examination, diagnosis and ultimately treatment of conditions in the oesophagus, stomach, large and small intestines (bowel).

7 Day Turnaround For Red Flag Referrals

At Kingsbridge we aim to see patients as quickly as possible, so we have introduced a 7 day referral pathway for red flag cases which will in time will be the standard process for all patients who require scope diagnostics and treatment.

Referrals to our 7 day pathway can be made by submitting our

7 Day Scope Referral Form

Alternatively, patients can self-refer via the following methods:

Text BOOK ENDO to 66777
Email appointments@kingsbridgehealthcaregroup.com

Self-Referral Form

On a waiting list for a scope investigation? Access endoscopy procedures within 7 days at Kingsbridge

Listen to Carol tell of her experience with Kingsbridge Diagnostic & Treatment Centre when she needed an urgent scope procedure.

View Carol's Story

Endoscopy (Upper GI)

An endoscopy is a safe procedure which involves inserting an endoscope (a thin, long, flexible tube with camera) into the body through the mouth or rectum to allow visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used to diagnose, monitor, and treat various medical conditions

Why might you need an endoscopy?

Digestive Issues: Endoscopy can help diagnose and assess conditions affecting the digestive tract, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and colorectal polyps or cancer.
Unexplained Pain or Bleeding: If you're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits, an endoscopy can help identify the underlying cause.

Difficulty Swallowing: If you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), an endoscopy can help evaluate the oesophagus and identify any structural issues or abnormalities.

Persistent Heartburn: Chronic heartburn or acid reflux might warrant an endoscopy to check for damage to the oesophagus caused by stomach acid.

Screening for Cancer: Certain types of endoscopies, like colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, are used for cancer screening. Colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer, while upper endoscopy can identify early signs of esophageal, stomach, or duodenal cancers.

Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're experiencing significant and unexplained weight loss, an endoscopy can help investigate potential causes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Inflammatory Conditions: Endoscopy can be used to assess and monitor conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory disorders.

Diagnostic Confirmation: When other imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, provide inconclusive results, an endoscopy can provide direct visualization and more accurate diagnosis.

Removal of Polyps or Tumors: During an endoscopy, tools can be passed through the endoscope to remove polyps, tumors, or foreign objects, avoiding the need for open surgery.

Control Bleeding: Endoscopy can be used to identify and stop bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract by using techniques like cauterization, clipping, or injection of medications.

What are symptoms that may require an endoscopy investigation?

Patients may be referred for an endoscopy to investigate the following symptoms:

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Persistent abdominal pain
Chest pain not caused by heart-related conditions
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting blood
Persistent diarrhoea
Blood in your stools

Typical Questions People Ask About Endoscopy

What is the procedure for an endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy is a procedure that enables the examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine the oesophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (first portion of small bowel) using a thin, flexible tube called the upper endoscope through which the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum can be viewed using a TV monitor.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and endoscopy?

There are two basic types of scopes:

Upper Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) - The oesophagus, stomach, and small intestines can be viewed by a thin flexible tube inserted through the mouth.

Colonoscopy - The lining of the large intestine, colon and rectum can be viewed by a flexible tube inserted through the rectum.

What does an endoscopy test for?

Endoscopy can help identify inflammation, ulcers, and tumours. Upper endoscopy is more accurate than X-rays for detecting abnormal growths such as cancer and for examining the inside of the upper digestive system. Any abnormalities can also be treated through the endoscope.

Why would you get an endoscopy?

Endoscopy may be used to treat a digestive tract problem. An endoscope can not only diagnose an issue, but devices can be passed through the endoscope that can help treat the condition.

What symptoms would lead to an Upper GI endoscopy?

Upper GI endoscopy can help find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as persistent heartburn, bleeding, nausea and vomiting, pain, problems swallowing, unexplained weight loss. Upper GI endoscopy can also find the cause of abnormal lab tests, such as anemia and nutritional deficiencies.

What conditions can be identified by an endoscopy examination?

Upper GI endoscopy can identify many different diseases including anemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, cancer, inflammation or swelling, precancerous abnormalities, celiac disease

What is an upper GI endoscopy?

An upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the inside lining of the oesophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). A thin, flexible viewing tool called an endoscope (scope) is used.

What is the preparation for an endoscopy?

Typically, a fasting period is required before the endoscopy. You will need to stop drinking and eating four to eight hours before the examination to ensure your stomach is empty for the procedure. Certain medications may also be required to be stopped before the endoscopy procedure.

Can you eat before a gastroscopy and endoscopy?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for your endoscopy. An upper endoscopy requires that you have an empty stomach before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before the procedure, or as directed by your doctor or nurse.

What can you eat after a gastroscopy and endoscopy?

Your doctor will advise on the post-procedure diet. You can usually eat and drink 1 hour after the gastroscopy procedure is finished. Initially it is recommended to start with water and cool liquids. Then soft foods like soup and eggs can be added. Regular eating habits can be resumed as you feel better.

What happens when you have a camera down your throat?

An endoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look inside the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It's also sometimes referred to as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The endoscope has a light and a camera at one end. The camera sends images of the inside of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum that can be viewed on a monitor by the investigations team.

Is an endoscopy painful?

An endoscopy is a painless procedure, with most people only experiencing some mild discomfort. The procedure is usually carried out while you're conscious. You may be given a local anaesthetic to numb a specific area of the body for ease of insertion of the scope

Are there any risks in an Endoscopy Examination?

An endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Rare complications include: Bleeding. Your risk of bleeding complications after an endoscopy is increased if the procedure involves removing a piece of tissue for testing (biopsy) or treating a digestive system problem.

How long does it take to get a gastroscopy?

An upper endoscopy takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. A colonoscopy takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

How long does it take to recover from an endoscopy?

Patients typically remain in the recovery area for 30 to 40 minutes after their procedure.

*Prices accurate as of Feb 2025 and may be subject to change.

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