The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Private Gastroscopy (OGD) in Colchester
Dr Thines Karunakaran performs gastroscopy at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester for reflux, indigestion, swallowing difficulty and upper abdominal symptoms — with results explained to you on the day.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Reasons for a gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is often the quickest way to find the cause of upper digestive symptoms. It is commonly recommended for:
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux not settling with treatment
- Indigestion or upper abdominal pain
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Suspected stomach or duodenal ulcer
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Suspected coeliac disease
- Surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus
- Investigating symptoms that could indicate upper GI cancer — such as difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss or iron-deficiency anaemia
Throat spray or sedation
You can choose local anaesthetic throat spray, sedation, or both. Throat spray means a faster discharge and no need for an escort; sedation makes the test hazier and more relaxed but requires someone to take you home.
Biopsies and treatment
Small tissue samples can be taken painlessly during the test to check for inflammation, Helicobacter pylori, coeliac disease or Barrett's oesophagus. Some problems, such as narrowings, can be treated endoscopically.
Rapid investigation when cancer needs to be excluded
Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss or iron-deficiency anaemia sometimes need prompt investigation to exclude cancer of the oesophagus or stomach. A private gastroscopy is often the quickest route to a definite answer — most people are reassured, and where something is found, it is identified early and discussed with you on the day.
Insured and self-pay
Recognised by insurers including Bupa (Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Aetna International, The Exeter and Benenden Health. Self-pay packages are quoted in advance.
Gastroscopy FAQs
What is a gastroscopy (OGD)?+
A gastroscopy, also called an OGD or upper GI endoscopy, uses a thin flexible camera passed through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small bowel. Biopsies can be taken at the same time.
Do I need sedation for a gastroscopy?+
No — sedation is a choice. Many patients have the test with local anaesthetic throat spray alone, which wears off quickly and lets you eat, drink and drive home sooner. If you choose sedation, you will need someone to take you home and should not drive for 24 hours.
How do I prepare for a gastroscopy?+
You need an empty stomach, so you will be asked not to eat for around six hours and not to drink clear fluids for two hours before the test. You will be told which regular medicines to continue or pause when you book.
How long does a gastroscopy take?+
The examination itself usually takes 5–10 minutes. Including admission and recovery, most patients are at The Oaks Hospital for two to three hours.
Further information
Arrange a gastroscopy in Colchester
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome · Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.