Dr McLaughlin performs gastroscopy at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital and the Nuffield Bournemouth Hospital. He is fully JAG accredited in both diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy.
Background to the test
Gastroscopy (also known as OGD or upper GI endoscopy) is usually performed as a day case procedure and is a test which allows examination of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and upper duodenum (first part of the small bowel). During the test tissue specimens (biopsies) can be taken which can help with diagnosis and other procedures such as the treatment of abnormal blood vessels can be performed. The test usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes and can be performed without any sedative drugs (instead a local anaesthetic is applied to the back of the throat) or following a sedative. The test can also be performed under general anaesthesia. Most patients find the test uncomfortable but tolerable.
Common indications for gastroscopy include
The investigation of anaemia
Investigating patients with known or suspected coeliac disease
Investigating patients with dyspepsia (acid symptoms)
Investigating patients with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
Removal of foreign bodies
Surveillance of Barrett’s oesophagus
Treating bleeding from the stomach, oesophagus or upper small bowel
Preparing for the procedure
Patients will usually be asked to not eat or drink for 6 hours before the test. Some medications may need to be stopped before the test.
If sedation or general anaesthesia is given you will need to be collected by a responsible adult and you should not drive, operate machinery or make any legal decisions for 24 hours.
What to expect during the procedure
Local anaesthetic spray may be applied to the back of your throat and/or a sedative may be given via a needle in the back of your hand. You will usually be asked to lie on your left side and a plastic mouth guard will be inserted in your mouth to protect your teeth. The endoscope will be gently guided into your gullet and stomach and air inflated into your stomach to help the doctor examine the stomach properly, this may make you feel bloated. During the procedure a nurse will monitor your oxygen levels and pulse and use suction to remove any excess saliva.
Complications
Gastroscopy is usually very safe, rarely however complications may occur (usually in less than 1000 procedures). Complications include perforation (a tear or hole in the lining of the gut) and bleeding from taking biopsies or other therapeutic procedures. Rarely a reaction to the sedative given may occur.
Private Gastroscopy Bournemouth
To arrange a private gastroscopy at the Nuffield hospital Bournemouth please contact Dr McLaughlin’s private secretary;
01202 237993
simon.mclaughlin@doctors.org.uk
melanie.boucher@ntlworld.com