# Upper endoscopy (OGD): what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Upper endoscopy (OGD): who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/upper-endoscopy

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> An upper endoscopy (OGD) checks for the food pipe, stomach and first part of the gut. In Kenya it is recommended for people with swallowing difficulty, persistent heartburn or other warning signs, on a clinician's advice, when a clinician advises.

**Upper endoscopy (OGD) at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| People with swallowing difficulty, persistent heartburn or other warning signs, on a clinician's advice. | When a clinician advises. | A biopsy may be taken if something needs a closer look. | Done at hospitals with an endoscopy unit; prices vary. |

## Upper endoscopy (OGD): common questions

**Q: What does the Upper endoscopy check for?**

A: The food pipe, stomach and first part of the gut.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: People with swallowing difficulty, persistent heartburn or other warning signs, on a clinician's advice.

**Q: How often?**

A: When a clinician advises.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: A thin camera is passed through the mouth, usually with a throat spray or sedation.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: A biopsy may be taken if something needs a closer look.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Done at hospitals with an endoscopy unit; prices vary.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Other screening tests

- [Breast ultrasound in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/breast-ultrasound)
- [Clinical breast exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/clinical-breast-exam)
- [Colonoscopy in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/colonoscopy)
- [Digital rectal exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/digital-rectal-exam)
- [HPV test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-test)
- [HPV vaccine in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-vaccine)
- [Mammogram in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/mammogram)
- [Pap smear in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pap-smear)