- Departments
- Specialities
- Aesthetics
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Dietitian Services
- Endocrinology
- Family Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- General Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Haematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- ENT
- Paediatrics
- Plastic Surgery
- Physiotherapy
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
- Urology
- Consultants
- Fees
- About Us
- Call: 020 8358 7100
Search
Private Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy at Chase Lodge Hospital, in North London
Fast Access to Expert Endoscopy Services
Our Endoscopy Services
Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy)
A gastroscopy examines the:
- Oesophagus (food pipe)
- Stomach
- First part of the small intestine (duodenum)
This procedure uses a thin, flexible camera to investigate symptoms affecting the upper digestive tract.
Common reasons for a gastroscopy include:
-
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)
- Indigestion
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Vomiting blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Suspected stomach ulcers
- Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance
- Coeliac disease assessment
Our Endoscopy Services
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy examines the entire large bowel (colon and rectum) using a flexible camera.
It is considered the gold standard investigation for many bowel conditions.
A colonoscopy may be recommended if you have:
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Chronic constipation
- Change in bowel habits
- Lower abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Family history of bowel cancer
- Positive bowel screening tests
- Inflammatory bowel disease monitoring
During the procedure, your consultant can also:
- Remove polyps
- Take biopsies
- Diagnose inflammation
- Investigate bowel cancer
- Assess Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
What Happens During an Endoscopy?
Your consultant will explain the procedure beforehand and answer any questions.
Depending on the type of endoscopy, you may receive throat spray, sedation or pain relief to help keep you comfortable.
The flexible camera is gently passed into the digestive tract, allowing the specialist to examine the lining in high definition.
If necessary, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken painlessly during the procedure. Polyps can often be removed immediately, avoiding the need for further surgery.
Most procedures take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the investigation being performed.
All diagnostic pathways are consultant-led, with results explained clearly and treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.
Endoscopy & Colonoscopy
Investigation of Abdominal Pain, Bloating & Reflux
Diagnosis & Treatment of IBS, IBD & Coeliac Disease
Liver, Gallbladder & Pancreatic Disorders
Bowel Cancer Screening & Polyp Removal
Digestive Health Advice, Nutrition & Ongoing Care
When Should You Have an Endoscopy?
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medication may require further investigation to identify the underlying cause.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or the sensation of food becoming stuck when eating should always be assessed promptly, as it may indicate a narrowing or inflammation of the oesophagus.
Ongoing abdominal pain
Ongoing abdominal pain that is persistent, recurrent or unexplained can be a sign of a variety of digestive conditions and should be investigated by a specialist.
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss without changes to your diet or exercise routine can sometimes be associated with gastrointestinal conditions and should always be evaluated.
A family history of bowel cancer or gastrointestinal disease
A family history of bowel cancer or gastrointestinal disease may increase your risk of certain conditions, making early investigation and regular screening particularly important.
When Should You Have an Endoscopy?
Why Choose Chase Lodge Hospital?
Rapid access to testing
With same-week appointments and streamlined diagnostic pathways, we provide fast answers and effective care when you need it most.
On-site blood tests and imaging
Our Imaging and Diagnostics Centre offers comprehensive testing, including blood work, stool analysis, and abdominal ultrasound — all available on-site.
Personalised management for IBS, reflux, and IBD
Our consultants develop tailored care plans for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), combining medical expertise with practical advice to help you regain control and comfort.
Self-pay and insured patients welcome
Our administrative team can assist with pre-authorisation and insurance claims, ensuring your care is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Gastroenterology Consultants
FAQ’s
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows your consultant to examine the inside of your digestive tract using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light attached. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and bowel.
What is the difference between a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy?
A gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, and is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as acid reflux, indigestion, stomach pain and difficulty swallowing.
A colonoscopy examines the large bowel (colon) and rectum and is used to investigate symptoms including changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and persistent diarrhoea or constipation.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-refer for a private gastroenterology consultation or endoscopy at Chase Lodge Hospital. If appropriate, your consultant can arrange any investigations needed during your appointment.
Will I need sedation?
Sedation is available for both gastroscopy and colonoscopy and can help you feel more relaxed during the procedure. Some patients choose to have a gastroscopy with only local anaesthetic throat spray. Your consultant will discuss the most suitable option with you beforehand.
Is an endoscopy painful?
Most patients find the procedure more uncomfortable than painful. Our experienced team will do everything possible to keep you comfortable throughout, and sedation is available if required.
How long does the procedure take?
- Gastroscopy: Approximately 10–15 minutes
- Colonoscopy: Approximately 30–45 minutes
Including preparation and recovery time, you should expect to be at the hospital for around two to three hours if sedation is used.
Will I need bowel preparation?
If you are having a colonoscopy, yes. You will be given a bowel preparation solution and detailed instructions to ensure your bowel is completely clean before the procedure.
If you are having a gastroscopy, you will simply need to fast before your appointment.
How quickly will I receive my results?
Your consultant will usually explain the initial findings before you leave the hospital. If biopsies have been taken, these are sent to the laboratory and results are typically available within one to two weeks.
When should I consider having an endoscopy?
You should seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ongoing abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Black or tarry stools
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- A significant change in bowel habits
- A family history of bowel cancer or gastrointestinal disease
Early investigation can help identify problems sooner and, where necessary, begin treatment promptly.
How do I book an appointment?
FAQ’s
