An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or gastroscopy, can help doctors accurately diagnose and treat Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) – a common condition where acid from the stomach backs up into the oesophagus (gullet).
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).
Watch our video below to find out the symptoms of GORD.
[answerpacktv video=”what-are-the-symptoms-of-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease” header-only=”yes” single-view-mode=”yes” view-playlist-label=”View more videos” header-link=”/videos/answerpack/gord/gord-faq” landing-page-header-text=” ” landing-page-header-title=”What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?”]
When is endoscopy needed?
There are many different causes of GORD and many people respond well to medication and lifestyle changes. However, it’s sometimes necessary to have an endoscopy to further investigate the causes of your symptoms.
There are two types of endoscopy:
- Diagnostic endoscopy – to explore the cause of symptoms or confirm a diagnosis
- Therapeutic endoscopy – where a condition is treated
Understanding endoscopy and the range of treatments
An endoscope is a small flexible camera with a light on the end. The procedure of passing it down the oesophagus (food pipe) is called an endoscopy. It enables a Gastroenterologist to see what’s going on inside.
During an endoscopy, a Gastroenterologist will look for common symptoms such as redness (a sign of inflammation), areas of grazing, ulcers, or problems with the shape of your oesophagus or lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS – the muscle which keeps the stomach closed).
Endoscopy can also be used to take biopsies (small tissue samples) which are then checked by the lab for diseases such as Barrett’s Oesophagus, a lining of pre-cancerous cells in the oesophagus, as well as any developed cancers.
In some cases, more advanced investigations are needed, and endoscopy can be used for these too:
- 96 hour pH test – a small capsule is temporarily attached to the lining of your gullet, sending wireless data about the acidity levels in that area.
- Stretta – using radiofrequency waves to thicken the muscle between the stomach and oesophagus
- Endoscopic resection (ER) removing tissue from the oesophagus
- HALO radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – targeting and destroying the Barrett’s Oesophagus lining
- Endoscopic dilation to widen narrowing of the food pipe
Is an endoscopy painful?
Endoscopy can be unpleasant but is usually not painful. However, sedation is recommended to make patients more comfortable. The procedure normally takes around 10 minutes, but can be longer depending on the reason for the test. It then takes around half an hour to an hour for the sedation to wear off before going home.
What happens after my endoscopy?
Once we’ve identified the cause of your symptoms, we can discuss treatment options to get your symptoms under control.
If you’ve had a simple exploratory endoscopy, then this may mean starting or changing medications, making lifestyle adjustments or even complimentary therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acupuncture and breathing exercises.
GORD can sometimes cause problems with your voice, such as hoarseness. If this is the case, then we can arrange an onward referral for voice therapy.
If further investigations are needed, then you may need one or more of the advanced endoscopy treatment options as listed above, or in some cases surgery.
Whatever happens, you will be involved in the process every step of the way.
Where can I book an endoscopy?
You can choose to be referred by your GP for NHS treatment, or if you’d prefer to be seen sooner, you can book a private appointment with us.
Waiting times for NHS gastroenterology investigations have risen by over a third in recent years, meaning it can sometimes take longer to get the answers you need.
By choosing a private appointment, you can be seen quickly, get a clear diagnosis, and start any necessary treatment without delay — helping you feel better, faster.
If you’d like to speak with one of our specialists, you can book your consultation today.
References
Andrew M Veitch, Geoffroy Vanbiervliet, Anthony H Gershlick, Christian Boustiere, Trevor P Baglin, Lesley-Ann Smith, Franco Radaelli, Evelyn Knight, Ian M Gralnek Cesare, Hassan Jean-Marc Dumonceau. (2016). Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE. Available: https://www.bsg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Endoscopy-in-patients-on-antiplatelet-or-anticoagulant-therapy-including-direct-oral-anticoagulants.pdf. Last accessed 18.01.22.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2013). Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Available: https://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/IPG461. Last accessed 18.01.22.
NHS (2019). Overview – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Available: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/. Last accessed 18.01.22.
NHS England and NHS Improvement. (2022). Monthly Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity. Available: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/. Last accessed 18.01.22.
