Endoscopy is a procedure which allows for the examination and treatment of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end (known a gastroscope) is passed in through the mouth into the relevant organs.

Common reasons for patients requiring a gastroscopy:

• difficulty swallowing,

• have persistent nausea or vomiting,

• anaemia,

• gastrointestinal bleeding and

• gastrooesophageal reflux

• monitoring of coeliac disease

Stomach must be completely empty before having a gastroscopy and this achieved by no food for 6 hours and no liquids for 3 hours prior to the procedure.

The procedure itself generally takes no more than half an hour with the patient under deep sedation. The observation period afterwards is short - generally 1-2 hours and patients can leave after this when given the OK by medical staff. Do not drive or operate any machinery until the following day.

Dr Bell will discuss the risks associated with gastroscopy, based on your own personal circumstances. Generally gastroscopy is extremely safe.