Private Endoscopy London
What is an endoscopy?
About endoscopy exams at VisitHealth
Endoscopy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that enables your consultant to take a look inside the body and examine the digestive system tract. A slim, flexible tube called an endoscope, equipped with a high-definition camera and light, provides detailed images of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, without the need for surgery.
At VisitHealth, we provide private endoscopy services in London, delivering expert care with modern technology, experienced consultants, and a patient-first approach.
With shorter waiting times, expert consultant-led care and modern diagnostic technology, we help you get the answers you need without unnecessary delays.
What happens during an endoscopy exam?
Our experienced clinical team will guide you through every stage of your care to ensure your experience is as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
You’ll receive detailed preparation instructions before your appointment.
For a gastroscopy, you’ll usually need to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours beforehand so your stomach is empty.
For a colonoscopy, you’ll be asked to follow a special diet and take bowel preparation medication to ensure clearer views during the examination.
When you arrive, your consultant and nursing team will explain the procedure, answer any questions and confirm your consent before treatment begins.
Many patients choose to have their procedure under concious sedation, helping them to remain comfortable throughout the examination.
The endoscope transmits high-definition images to a monitor, allowing your consultant to assess your digestive tract in real time. If required, biopsies can be taken or small polyps removed during the procedure.
Most examinations take between 15 and 45 minutes.
You’ll be monitored in our recovery area until you’re ready to go home.
Your consultant will usually discuss the initial findings with you before you leave. If biopsies have been taken, these will be sent for laboratory testing, with results discussed during your follow-up appointment.
If conscious sedation is used, you’ll need someone to accompany you home and should avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol or making important decisions until the following day.
Most patients return to their usual routine within 24 hours.
Why choose VisitHealth for your private endoscopy procedure?
Whether you're investigating new symptoms or attending routine screening, we're here to provide clear answers and expert care every step of the way. Our patients benefit from:
Expert consultant-led care
Every procedure is performed by experienced consultants specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions.
High-definition endoscopy equipment
Advanced imaging technology provides clear, detailed views to support accurate diagnosis and informed clinical decisions.
Upper and lower GI endoscopy under conscious sedation
We offer gastroscopy and colonoscopy with conscious sedation available to help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Biopsy services, where clinically required
If further investigation is needed, samples can be taken during your procedure without the need for additional surgery.
Personalised treatment and follow-up care
From diagnosis through to ongoing care, we'll provide tailored recommendations based on your individual needs and results.
Modern clinical facilities in London
Care in a comfortable environment designed to support a positive patient experience.
Friends and family recommend us
What can an endoscopy exam diagnose?
Endoscopy allows consultants to investigate a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions with greater accuracy.
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A gastroscopy may help diagnose:
Acid reflux and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Barret's oesophagus
Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Coeliac disease
A colonoscopy may help diagnose:
Bowel polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease
Colorectal cancer
Crohn's disease
Common reasons for an endoscopy
Your consultant may recommend an endoscopy to investigate persistent digestive symptoms, monitor an existing gastrointestinal condition, or provide reassurance following abnormal test results.
Common reasons for an endoscopy include persistent heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty or pain when swallowing, ongoing indigestion or upper abdominal pain and blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
Planning your endoscopy
Before your appointment, you'll receive clear instructions tailored to your procedure, so you know exactly how to prepare.
Preparation varies depending on whether you're having a gastroscopy or a colonoscopy. This may include fasting, following a special diet or taking bowel preparation medication to ensure your consultant has the clearest possible view during the examination.
If you have any questions before your appointment, our clinical team will be happy to guide you through the process.
Paying for your endoscopy
We believe accessing expert diagnostic care should be as straightforward as possible.
Our team can explain your options and provide a clear breakdown of costs before your appointment. If you're planning to use insurance, we'll help ensure you have the information you need before your procedure.
Aftercare following an endoscopy
Your care doesn't end when your procedure is complete.
Once you've returned home, it's important to follow any advice provided by your consultant and allow yourself time to recover, particularly if you've had concious sedation.
If biopsies were taken during your endoscopy, the samples will be analysed in a laboratory, and your results will be discussed at your follow-up appointment. Should you have any questions or concerns after your procedure, our clinical team is on hand to provide advice and support.
Endoscopy frequently asked questions
How you prepare will vary based on the procedure.
Gastroscopy, for example, requires fasting beforehand, while colonoscopy involves a low-fibre diet and bowel preparation
Don’t worry, we'll provide detailed instructions before your appointment, so you know exactly what you need to do.
Yes, you can take your regular medication. However, we may recommend you wait until after the procedure, especially if you need to take it with water.
We’ll provide specific instructions based on your personal situation.
Wear comfortable clothes. When you arrive, you’ll be asked to change into a medical gown for the procedure, so there's no need to wear anything specific.
Most patients tolerate endoscopy very well. Conscious sedation is available for the procedure to help you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout.
Most procedures take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the type of examination and whether any treatment is carried out.
We understand that the worst part of diagnostic tests is waiting for your results. Your consultant will usually discuss the initial findings with you before you leave. If biopsies have been taken, you'll receive the results during your follow-up appointment.
Our priority is to give you clear answers as quickly as possible.
Yes. If you've chosen to be under conscious sedation during the procedure, you'll need someone to accompany you home safely.
Still have questions about our endoscopy services?
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VisitHealth launched in 2017, specialising in nurse-led home care. We have since grown into a new breed of health clinic, delivering a wide range of on-demand healthcare services, seven days a week, 365 days a year.