Endoscopy enables doctors to look inside parts of your body. For procedures affecting the digestive system, we use different names depending on the situation.
It’s called gastroscopy when examining from the throat to the stomach and colonoscopy when examining the bowel.
These procedures help us to diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Endoscopy provides clear images that can identify possible causes of diarrhoea or other GI symptoms.
This post explains more about endoscopy, the benefits of having the procedure privately and what it costs.
How much does a private endoscopy cost?
The cost of a private endoscopy in the UK can vary depending on which clinic you choose.
Digestive Health UK is a fee-assured provider and works with all major insurance companies, as well as smaller insurers. If you don’t have health insurance, you can visit us as a self-pay patient.
Here’s how much you can expect a private procedure with Dr Sarmed Sami, or one of our experienced gastroenterologists, to cost:
- Gastroscopy: £1,500-£1,650
- Colonoscopy: £2,100
- Combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedure: £2,500
- Our endoscopy prices are all-inclusive (hospital fees, doctors’ fees, sedation, biopsies, accessories, removing polyps and providing a written report)
You can find the costs below, and learn more about the benefits of going private here: Our Fees
- New gastroenterology consultation: £300
- Second-opinion gastroenterology consultation: £350
- Follow-up gastroenterology consultation: £275
Please contact us for further information and bookings.
What are the benefits of a private endoscopy?
A private endoscopy, gastroscopy or colonoscopy has many advantages.
The waiting time is very short, typically 1-14 days and not months. You can choose the most convenient time. The procedure is guaranteed to be done by a Consultant Gastroenterologist who is a leader in their field.
Many people can develop a more serious condition if their symptoms aren’t checked and treated by a specialist early enough.
If you choose to have the procedure privately, it can help to find problem areas in your gut sooner. This is especially important if there are warning signs of cancer in either your upper or lower digestive tract.
How does it work?
An endoscopy is a test that involves passing an endoscope (a thin flexible tube) into your body.
Endoscopes usually come with a built-in camera and light source. This is so doctors can see a good view of your insides and investigate the reason for symptoms.
A gastroscopy is the name for a procedure that uses an endoscope through your mouth. It then passes down into the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and first part of your small intestine.
A colonoscopy also uses an endoscope. Instead, it’s passed through your rectum and into the large bowel (lower intestine) and part of the small bowel to diagnose intestinal problems.
If needed during the procedure, the endoscope can collect a biopsy (a small tissue sample) for testing in a lab.
We also use endoscopes to perform less invasive surgical tasks. These include:
- Removing polyps, lesions or other abnormal tissue
- Treating a narrowing of the oesophagus
- Carrying out endoscopic resection and radio-frequency or ablation therapies
- Capsule endoscopy (to attach monitoring devices such as a 96-hour pH capsule)
You may feel slight discomfort with an endoscopy. An experienced consultant like Dr Sami will be able to minimise this.
As an exploratory technique and a therapeutic option, it’s less complex than open surgery. This means your recovery time will be less and there are fewer risks.
Watch our animated video to learn more about endoscopy:
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Why might you need an endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a very safe, effective and minimally-invasive procedure. Early diagnosis can help you receive treatment without delay and prevent complications later on.
You may receive a referral for an endoscopy if you have, for example:
- Recurring heartburn (acid reflux)
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Changes in bowel movements, including chronic diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood in stools or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Swallowing problems
- Unexpected weight loss
- A blood test or stool test result that needs more investigation
An endoscopy is often the best way to rule out serious health issues. For example, it’s an important part of the screening process for bowel cancer. It’s also a useful diagnostic tool for conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Book an appointment
We will ensure you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible when you’re preparing for an endoscopy. We’re rated 4.94/5 on Doctify; we’re pleased that our patients are so satisfied with their treatment.
Our clinic has a convenient central London location and state-of-the-art facilities. Having your procedure with us will reduce your waiting time, and give you access to the best level of health care and minimally invasive treatments.
Contact us to find out more and book an initial in-person or remote consultation today.
