What to Expect During a Private Endoscopy

If you've been referred for an endoscopy — or are considering booking a private procedure — you may have questions about what's involved. As a Consultant Gastroenterologist who has performed over 12,000 endoscopic procedures, I want to help you feel informed and confident about the process.

What Is an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope) to examine the inside of your digestive tract. It allows your specialist to see the lining of your oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, or colon in real time and take biopsies (small tissue samples) if needed.

Endoscopy is one of the most important diagnostic tools in gastroenterology. It can identify the cause of symptoms such as persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habit.

Types of Endoscopy

There are several types of endoscopy, and the one recommended for you will depend on your symptoms and what your gastroenterologist needs to investigate:

• Gastroscopy (OGD): Examines the upper digestive tract — oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Used for acid reflux, dyspepsia, Barrett's oesophagus, coeliac disease, and H. pylori. The procedure takes 5–10 minutes.
• Colonoscopy: Examines the entire large bowel (colon) and rectum. Used for bowel cancer screening, investigation of rectal bleeding, monitoring inflammatory bowel disease, and polyp removal. Takes 20–45 minutes.
• EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound): Combines endoscopy with ultrasound to image the deeper layers of the digestive tract and surrounding organs including the pancreas and bile ducts. Used for staging cancers, investigating pancreatic cysts, and diagnosing chronic pancreatitis.
• ERCP: A specialised procedure to treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreatic duct, particularly gallstones causing jaundice or pancreatitis. It involves passing instruments through the endoscope to remove stones or place stents.
• Capsule Endoscopy: You swallow a small camera capsule that takes thousands of photographs as it passes through your small bowel. Used when standard endoscopy cannot reach the area of concern.

Preparing for Your Endoscopy

Good preparation is essential for a successful and comfortable procedure. Your specialist team will provide detailed written instructions before your appointment.

For a gastroscopy: You will need to fast (no food) for 6 hours before the procedure. You can usually have clear fluids up to 2 hours before. Most medications can be taken as normal with a small sip of water.

For a colonoscopy: Preparation is more involved. You will need to follow a low-fibre diet for 2–3 days before the procedure, then take a bowel preparation solution (a strong laxative) which clears the bowel completely. This is usually taken in two doses — one the evening before and one on the morning of the procedure. Clear fluids only are allowed on the day before.

Sedation Options

You have choices about sedation for your endoscopy:

• Throat spray only (gastroscopy): A local anaesthetic spray numbs your throat. You remain fully awake and can leave sooner after the procedure.
• Conscious sedation: An intravenous sedative (midazolam) and painkiller (fentanyl) are given through a cannula in your hand. You will feel sleepy and relaxed but are not fully unconscious. Most patients remember little of the procedure.
• General anaesthesia: Available for certain complex procedures. You will be fully asleep. An anaesthetist will be present throughout.

What Happens During the Procedure?

You will be made comfortable on your side. Monitoring equipment will track your heart rate and oxygen levels throughout. The endoscope is gently passed and the camera transmits images to a screen. The whole procedure is usually quick — a gastroscopy takes 5–10 minutes, while a colonoscopy takes 20–45 minutes.

If any polyps are found during a colonoscopy, they can usually be removed at the same time. Biopsies are painless and the tissue samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Recovery

After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery area for 30–60 minutes until the sedation wears off. Most patients feel fine within an hour. If you have had sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours.

Your gastroenterologist will discuss the initial findings with you before you leave. A full written report and any biopsy results will follow within 1–2 weeks.

Private Endoscopy Costs

At Dr Mahesh's private clinics, typical costs are:

• Initial consultation: £220–£225
• Gastroscopy: from £1,500
• Colonoscopy: from £1,800
• EUS: from £2,500
• ERCP: from £3,000

These prices typically include the procedure, sedation, and a follow-up consultation to discuss results. Many private health insurance policies cover endoscopy — check with your insurer before booking.

How to Book

No GP referral is needed for private endoscopy. You can book directly by contacting:

• The Beaumont Hospital, Bolton: 01204 404404
• Spire Fylde Coast Hospital, Blackpool: 01253 308031