Mr Damian McKay
Endoscopy
At the Kingsbridge Hospital, 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).
Costs
Costs can vary depending on the procedure and your personal treatment plan. We’ll give you a clear price guide upfront and explain what’s included.
Flexible payment options are available to help spread the cost. Our team is here to answer questions and help you choose the best way to pay.
Treatment From
£2,035.00
Prices accurate as of February 2025 and may be subject to change.
Finance from:
£49.21 per month
Explore Finance Options*Representative Example: Total amount of Credit £2,035.00. Total charge for credit £917.60. Total Amount Repayable £2,952.60. Repayable by 60 monthly payments of £49.21. Representative 16.9% APR. Example based upon treatment costing £2,035.00 repayable over 60 months. Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
Steps to get started
Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.
If you’re using health insurance
Check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself or using a payment plan
We’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Book an Appointment
To make things easier, you can book a new consultation appointment online.
Our Locations
Each site is equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.
Our hospitals are easy to reach and offer a calm, comfortable environment to support your care. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.
Why might you need an endoscopy?
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.
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.
Meet Our General Surgery Consultants
At Kingsbridge, you’ll be in the expert hands of the UK and Ireland’s top General Surgeons.
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.
What to Expect Before and During a Endoscopy?
Knowing what happens at each stage of a Endoscopy can help you feel prepared and more at ease. Here’s what you can expect:
Before the Endoscopy procedure
You will receive clear instructions on how to prepare. This may include fasting for several hours and adjusting certain medications. Your healthcare team will explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
During an Endoscopy
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic or light sedation to help you stay comfortable. The doctor will gently insert the endoscope to view the area being examined. You may feel mild pressure or a bloating sensation, but the procedure is generally well tolerated and takes a short time to complete.
After the Procedure
You will rest until the effects of any sedation wear off. Most patients can go home the same day. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and arrange any further tests or treatment if required. Mild discomfort or bloating may occur but usually settles quickly.
Endoscopy offers a safe and effective way to investigate symptoms and support early diagnosis, helping you receive timely and appropriate care.
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 anaemia and nutritional deficiencies.
What conditions can be identified by an endoscopy examination?
Upper GI endoscopy can identify many different diseases including anaemia, 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.
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.
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
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.