Upper GI Endoscopy and Dilation

An upper GI endoscopy and dilation is used if you have difficulty swallowing due to a narrowed oesophagus. It involves carefully stretching the wall of your oesophagus. A gastroscope lets your doctor see inside your oesophagus and they then insert and inflate a balloon to help stretch it.

The procedure for an endoscopy of the upper GI involves carefully passing a tube with a light and camera on the end, called a gastroscope, through your mouth and to your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). Air and then water may be passed down the tube to give your doctor a clearer view.

An upper GI endoscopy and dilation involves passing a balloon through the gastroscope and into your narrowed oesophagus area. The balloon is then inflated to stretch the narrowing.

A gastroenterologist performs an upper GI endoscopy usually under local anaesthetic and sometimes a sedative as well. It typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

An endoscopy of the upper GI:

• investigates any symptoms you may have
• helps diagnose or rule out conditions of your upper GI tract
• removes biopsy samples for further analysis
• treats some upper GI tract problems such as blockages and narrowing of your oesophagus, cancerous tumours and benign polyps.

An upper GI endoscopy can help diagnose conditions that affect the upper GI tract including your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. These may include:

• A narrowing (stricture) of your oesophagus
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) where acid from your stomach leaks up into your oesophagus
• Inflammation of your oesophagus (oesophagitis) or the stomach (gastritis)
• Enlarged veins in your oesophagus (oesophageal varices)
• Barrett's oesophagus
• Celiac disease
• Hiatal hernia where your stomach moves upward into or next to your oesophagus
• Ulcers that cause a sore on the lining of your stomach or duodenum
• Tumours – cancerous and non-cancerous.

Straight after your upper GI endoscopy and dilation procedure we will monitor you until you are ready to go home.

If you had a sedative, you will need to wait for this to wear off. You will also need a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for up to 24 hours.

You may have a sore throat and feel bloated for the rest of the day. This will pass.

It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids. You can resume eating the same day or the next day.

You should be able to go back to your usual activities the day after the procedure.

We will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your upper GI endoscopy and dilation procedure will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. An upper GI endoscopy and dilation procedure is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your upper GI endoscopy and dilation procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.