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Gastroscopy

A Gastroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach), your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

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It’s performed using a narrow, flexible, telescopic camera called a gastroscope. The gastroscope is swallowed and passed down your oesophagus into your stomach and then into the duodenum.

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Quite commonly, you'll be seen by a consultant Gastroenterologist in our Gastroenterology​ service before being referred for an Endoscopy.

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A Gastroscopy can help find out what is causing symptoms such as:

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  • indigestion

  • heartburn

  • repeated vomiting or vomiting blood

  • long-term abdominal (tummy) pain

  • difficulty swallowing

  • weight loss

  • anaemia

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It's also used to help diagnose certain gastrointestinal conditions such as:

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  • coeliac disease

  • reflux oesophagitis (inflammation and damage to your oesophagus usually caused by stomach acid)

  • ulcers

  • Barrett's oesophagus

  • cancer of the oesophagus and stomach

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A gastroscopy can be used to see if there are any growths or ulcers in your oesophagus, stomach or duodenum, and can be used to take a biopsy.

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Why you

may need an Gastroscopy:​

Before your Gastroscopy

Before we go ahead with your Endoscopy, you will need to have a formal consultation with a consultant Gastroenterologist. During this time, you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.



Preparing for your Gastroscopy

We try to make your Gastroscopy experience as easy and relaxed as possible. Here is a brief explanation of what you could expect:

  • If you take insulin or blood thinning drugs, you will need special advice on how to prepare for the test.
  • You should not eat or drink anything for six hours before your appointment. This is to make sure your stomach is empty so the endoscopist can have a clear view of your stomach. This includes boiled sweets and chewing gum. It is unsafe to perform a procedure if the stomach is not empty.
  • For patients on warfarin, you will need to have an INR blood test 48 hours before your appointment. Please arrange this with your own GP and bring the results with you. The test cannot go ahead without this result.
  • You will be told which medication you must not take. Other usual tablets may be taken with a small sip of water. Before the procedure the health team will carry out a number of checks and you will be asked to sign a consent form.



Having your Gastroscopy

A Gastroscopy takes approximately 5 minutes. It may feel uncomfortable, but shouldn't be painful. Most people have the test with a local anaesthetic throat spray to numb the throat and allow the scope to pass comfortably. If medically appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative to help you relax. If you decide to have a sedative this will be given through a needle in your arm or the back of your hand. ​ The local anaesthetic is sprayed onto your throat and you will be asked to swallow it. It can taste unpleasant. You will be asked to lay on your left side and place a mouthpiece into your mouth. Your oxygen levels and pulse will be monitored by a small clip on your finger, and you may have some additional oxygen through small tubes in your nose. ​ The endoscopist will place the gastroscope down your throat. A swallow can help ease the endoscope down your oesophagus into your stomach. The endoscopist will be able to look into your duodenum and take small pieces of tissue if required (biopsies) or photographs. You may feel bloated after the test. ​ Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there to help and support you every step of the way.



Still have questions about your procedure?

Visit our page www.livingcare.co.uk/endoscopy for a full FAQ and walkthrough video regarding Endoscopy procedures



  • We are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - the independent regulator of health and social care in England. 

  • Free, on-site parking 

  • Clean, modern facilities with the latest technology

  • Easy access of the M62 and M1

  • You will only ever be seen for scans, tests and follow up appointments at the same site, unless you specify otherwise

  • All our treatments will not require an overnight stay. You will always recover from the comfort of your own home.

  • Your waiting time is much shorter than a regular hospital or NHS practice.

  • You will only ever be seen by a local consultant who is an expert in their field and also works within Leeds and Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals. 

  • Your aftercare will not stop when you leave our clinic. We're here to help every step of the way.

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Why

Choose

LivingCare?

LivingCare have provided high quality, safe, consultant-led care to thousands of patients and has an excellent local and national reputation. We are recognised by all medical insurers and also welcome non insured patients who wish to self pay for their treatment. LivingCare have also been working with the NHS to provide care for patients since 2002. 

How can I be seen at

LivingCare for an NHS

treatment?

At LivingCare we provide the following services for all NHS patients:

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  • Gastroenterology

  • Gastroscopy

  • Sigmoidoscopy

  • Dermatology

  • Minor Surgery

  • Ear, Nose, Throat

  • Ophthalmology

  • Urology

  • Cystoscopy

  • Vasectomy

  • Ultrasound

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To be seen through the NHS for any of the above services, we just require a referral from your GP. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be seen privately, please visit our private healthcare page here

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Your Gastroscopy appointment can be at any of the following sites:

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Thorpe Park Clinic (Colton)

Northgate Medical Centre (Pontefract)

Fountain Medical Centre (Morley)

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If you have already received an appointment from us and you wish to change

to a different site, you will need to call us on 0113 249 4655 to rearrange this. 

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A new letter will be sent to you with appropriate directions and appointment 

information.

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Where can I

be seen for my Gastroscopy

appointment?

Contact us today. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.

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