Concierge endoscopy · London
Private endoscopy in London, performed by a consultant gastroenterologist.
The definitive test for persistent reflux, difficulty swallowing, ulcer questions and coeliac diagnosis. We match you to a JAG-accredited London unit, arrange sedation or a throat-spray option, and stay with you through the histology report.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Straight about sedation
Light IV sedation or a throat spray - we explain the trade-offs so you can decide.
- 02
High-volume consultants
We route to consultant gastroenterologists working in JAG-accredited units.
- 03
We chase the histology
Biopsy results take a week or so. We make sure they come back and are explained.
Indicative pricing
What a private endoscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A diagnostic OGD with sedation in our network: £900-£1,800, with findings on the day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic gastroscopy (OGD) | £900–£1,800 | 15–20 min | 1–3 days |
| OGD with biopsies | £1,000–£2,000 | 20–30 min | 3–7 days |
| OGD with H. pylori testing | £950–£1,900 | 15–25 min | 1–7 days |
| Therapeutic OGD (dilatation, banding) | £1,500–£3,500 | 30–60 min | 3–7 days |
| Combined OGD + colonoscopy | £2,000–£3,800 | 45–75 min | 3–7 days |
| Trans-nasal endoscopy (unsedated) | £700–£1,400 | 10–15 min | 1–3 days |
Prices vary by unit, the sedation choice, and whether biopsies are taken and sent for analysis. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Reflux, swallowing, ulcer worries - people wait too long.
Most people put off an OGD longer than they should. The procedure itself, under light sedation, is far easier than the anticipation. We make the booking straightforward and the day itself calm.
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Anxious about the scope?
With light sedation most people remember almost nothing. A throat spray is an option if you want to avoid sedation.
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Waiting for an NHS slot?
For persistent symptoms or a red flag, days matter. We can arrange scoping within a week.
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Not sure you need one?
Sometimes a blood test, H. pylori breath test or a scan is the better first step. We will say so.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results - including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~2-3 hours at the unit
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which test, which unit, indicative price. If an OGD isn’t the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We explain the fasting rules and review any blood thinners, iron tablets or PPIs.
- 04
On the day
Arrival, consent and sedation
You change, meet your consultant, and choose between light IV sedation or a throat spray. A small cannula goes in if you are having sedation.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
10-20 minutes for a diagnostic OGD. A thin flexible camera passes through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Biopsies are painless.
- 06
On the day
Recovery, then home
About 30-60 minutes recovering. If you had sedation you need someone to take you home. No driving for 24 hours.
- 07
After
Findings and next steps
Your consultant explains what they saw on the day. Any biopsy results follow in 5-10 days, and we make sure they are explained.
Typical end-to-end: 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
An OGD answers questions no other upper-GI test can - and takes biopsies as it goes. These are the reasons people come to us.
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Persistent acid reflux / heartburn
Diagnoses oesophagitis, hiatus hernia and Barrett’s.
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Peptic ulcers
The definitive way to see and biopsy an ulcer.
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Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
A red-flag symptom - endoscopy is the priority test.
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Unexplained bleeding
Vomiting blood or dark, tarry stools - urgent scope.
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Coeliac disease
Duodenal biopsy is still the gold-standard confirmation.
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Barrett’s surveillance
Regular scoping with careful biopsy in accredited centres.
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Persistent indigestion or new symptoms over 55
A 2-week wait investigation.
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When to escalate to A&E
Vomiting blood or black stool with faintness - 999 today.
Procedure types
Not all endoscopies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Diagnostic OGD
A thin flexible camera examines the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, usually under light sedation.
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OGD with biopsy
Small tissue samples are taken painlessly and sent for histology.
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OGD with H. pylori CLO test
A rapid urease test on a gastric biopsy to confirm H. pylori infection.
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Therapeutic OGD (dilatation, banding, injection)
Strictures stretched, varices banded, bleeding points injected - all through the scope.
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Barrett’s surveillance protocol
Systematic four-quadrant biopsies to a defined protocol in accredited units.
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Trans-nasal endoscopy (no sedation)
An ultra-thin scope through the nose. No sedation, and you can drive home.
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Combined OGD + colonoscopy
Upper and lower endoscopy in a single sedated visit, when both are needed.
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Second-opinion review
Independent review of previous endoscopy images, reports and histology.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered endoscopy units
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Performed by consultant gastroenterologists in JAG-accredited units
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Nurse-led sedation and monitoring throughout
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Biopsies read by consultant histopathologists in UKAS-accredited labs
Safety and eligibility
Very safe - but there is real planning to do.
OGD is very safe, but sedation, fasting, and blood-thinning medication all need planning. We coordinate the details.
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Sedation
Light IV sedation is standard - you will feel drowsy and remember little. You will need someone to take you home.
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Throat spray option
A local anaesthetic spray numbs the throat, no sedation needed. You can drive home afterwards.
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Fasting from midnight
Nothing to eat after midnight. Small sips of water allowed up to 2 hours before your appointment.
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Blood thinners
Warfarin, DOACs and clopidogrel may need pausing - always ask, never stop on your own. We coordinate this.
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Iron and PPIs
Iron tablets and proton-pump inhibitors can affect visibility and biopsy accuracy. The clinic will advise when to pause them.
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Rare risks
Perforation and significant bleeding are very rare in a diagnostic OGD - well under 1 in 1,000.
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Pregnancy
OGD is usually deferred in pregnancy unless essential. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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Post-procedure sore throat
A mild sore throat for a day or two is common and settles on its own.
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Driving and work
No driving, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours after sedation. Most people are back to normal the next day.
Reading your report
An endoscopy report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be told the headline on the day - the biopsy detail takes a little longer.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, what was examined, and the symptoms behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the procedure was done
Which endoscope was used, the sedation given, and how many biopsies were taken and from where.
- 03 Findings
What the endoscopist saw
The upper oesophagus, stomach and duodenum described in turn, with any inflammation, hernia, ulcer or Barrett’s segment recorded.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion, and what happens with any biopsy results - read this first. Histology follows separately in 5-10 days.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover OGD when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about endoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, sedation, biopsies, safety and results.
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What does an OGD actually show?
It gives a direct view of the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small bowel (the duodenum). It is the definitive test for reflux damage, hiatus hernia, ulcers, Barrett’s oesophagus, H. pylori infection and coeliac disease, and it is the first test if you are having trouble swallowing or vomiting blood.
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How much does a private endoscopy cost in London?
A diagnostic OGD is typically £900-£1,800 in our network. Adding biopsies takes it to around £1,000-£2,000, and combining an OGD with a colonoscopy is £2,000-£3,800. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
An OGD is arranged with a short consultation first, so the right test is chosen and your medication is reviewed. We can arrange that consultation quickly - no GP letter needed to get started.
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Sedation or throat spray - which should I choose?
Light IV sedation is the standard: most people remember almost none of it, but you need someone to take you home and cannot drive for 24 hours. A throat spray keeps you fully awake, is quicker in and out, and you can drive home - but you will feel and remember the procedure more.
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How long does the whole appointment take?
The procedure itself is 10-20 minutes for a diagnostic OGD. With check-in, consent, sedation and recovery, allow 2-3 hours at the unit.
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When do you take biopsies and how long do results take?
Biopsies are painless and taken during the same procedure whenever clinically indicated - to test for H. pylori, coeliac disease, Barrett’s, or from any abnormal area. Histology results are typically back in 5-10 days.
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Is my referral urgent or routine?
New difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or persistent new symptoms over 55 with weight loss are red flags and need urgent scoping. Long-standing reflux without alarm features is usually routine. If you are not sure, tell us your symptoms and we will triage.
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Do insurers cover it?
Most major insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, Healix) cover OGD when clinically indicated. We confirm cover and secure pre-authorisation before booking.
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Is OGD safe in pregnancy?
It is usually deferred until after pregnancy unless essential - for example, ongoing bleeding. If it is essential, it is done in a specialist unit with obstetric input. Always tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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When should I call 999 instead?
Vomiting fresh blood, passing black tarry stool, or a sudden inability to swallow your own saliva with faintness or breathlessness need emergency assessment today - call 999 or go to A&E. We can arrange follow-up private endoscopy afterwards.
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