A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It helps us assess the oesophagus or stomach, nearby lymph nodes and other organs. The scan is performed in the radiology department and usually takes around 10–15 minutes, although the overall appointment may be longer.

For many CT scans, a contrast dye is used to improve the detail of the images. You may be asked to drink some contrast and/or have contrast injected through a small cannula in your arm.
When the contrast is injected, you may briefly:
feel warm or flushed
notice a metallic taste in your mouth
feel as though you need to pass urine
These sensations usually pass very quickly.

During the scan, you will lie on a table that moves through the scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly while images are taken.
Once the scan is complete, you may be observed for a short period if you have received contrast.

Once the test is completed, you will be observed for 30 minutes to ensure that you have had no reaction to the dye. The cannula is then removed and you will be able to go home.

View our CT information video

Further details about the CT scan can be found here: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/tests/ct-scan

A PET-CT scan combines two types of scan. The CT scan shows the structure of the body, while the PET scan shows areas of increased activity. Together, they can help identify whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Before the scan, you will usually be asked not to eat for several hours. A small cannula is placed in a vein and a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected. You will then rest quietly for around an hour while the tracer circulates around your body.
You will then lie on a scanning table which moves through the PET-CT scanner. You will need to lie still while the images are taken and may occasionally be asked to hold your breath. The scan itself usually takes around 20–30 minutes.
The amount of radiation used is small and the tracer leaves your body naturally over the following hours. You will be given specific instructions before your appointment, including any precautions you may need to follow afterwards.

Further information about PET-CT scanning is available from Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/tests/pet-ct-scan

An endoscopic ultrasound is a test which involves the use of specialised ultrasound probe which is attached to an endoscope. The test is very much like an endoscopy, and you may have an endoscopy immediately beforehand. The ultrasound probe is used to obtain detailed pictures of the wall of and the structures surrounding the oesophagus and stomach.

The test is similar to an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. You will be asked to be starved 6 hours prior to the test.

You will be consented for the procedure by the endoscopist and then be brought in to the endoscopy room. A small thin tube (cannula) is placed in your arm. An anaesthetic spray may be applied to numb the back of the throat. You will be asked to lie on your left side on the trolley. A mouth guard is placed in your mouth. A sedative is given to help you relax. The endoscope with the ultrasound probe attached is placed into your mouth and is then placed into the gullet. The endoscopist will then obtain detailed pictures of the wall of the gullet and surrounding structures. The test will take 15-20 minutes to complete.

Following completion of the test, you will be taken to the recovery. Once recovered from the sedative and the local anaesthetic you will be discharged home.

View our OGD information video

A staging laparoscopy is keyhole surgery which is performed under general anaesthetic and in most cases is a day case procedure. It is used to directly inspect the organs inside the abdomen. It is also used to obtain tissue and fluid samples within the abdomen.

A small 1 cm cut is placed underneath your bellybutton under a general anaesthetic. Carbon dioxide gas is placed into abdomen to expand the space. Usually two further 0.5cm cuts are placed in the upper part of the abdomen. A laparoscope is placed into the abdomen to obtain detailed pictures of the internal organs. Approximately 200mls of saline is placed into the abdomen. The fluid is then sucked out and sent for analysis.

The incisions are closed usually with absorbable stitches. Once recovered from the general anaesthetic you will be discharged home. In most cases it is completed as a daycase procedure. The results from the test take approximately a week to return.

View our Staging Laparoscopy information video

During your visit to the pre-assessment clinic we may ask you to part take in an assessment called a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test — in short CPET. This test will help us to measure how fit you are and how your heart, lungs and muscles work together and in response to physical exercise. This can be used to give information on how your body might cope with the stresses of a large operation.  

First we connect you to heart, blood pressure and breathing monitors. Then we ask you to pedal an exercise bike very slowly while you breathe in and out through a mask which is connected to a machine which monitors your breathing. The effort needed to cycle is very gentle and is gradually increased until the test is complete. The whole test takes 20 to 30 minutes, and a qualified person will carefully monitor your condition throughout the test.  If you feel at any time that the test is too much or you wish to stop we will do so. We will, however, encourage you to exercise to the best of your ability.

You should not be worried about your level of fitness before the test as this is a very safe and easy test to perform and complete. Importantly, certain conditions may exclude you from participation in this test. We will let you know if you are not a suitable candidate. This test may also be repeated in some patients following completion of chemotherapy. This will allow us to reassess your fitness after chemotherapy and monitor your progress before surgery.

View our CPET information video