LivingCare provides advanced endoscopy services across Yorkshire, combining expert physicians with Olympus EVIS X1 technology for superior diagnostic accuracy. Our comprehensive procedures examine your digestive system with minimal discomfort, offering immediate results and same-session treatment when appropriate. Rapid access is available at our Leeds and Sheffield locations.
Endoscopy is a sophisticated, minimally invasive medical procedure that allows our specialist consultants to diagnose and treat conditions throughout your digestive system. They use an endoscope: a thin, flexible tube that contains a small high-definition camera. The term 'endoscopy' encompasses various procedures, including gastroscopy (upper endoscopy), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and other specialised examinations, each designed to access different areas of your body through natural openings without needing external incisions.
Early diagnosis is vital to improving health outcomes. Yet there is normally a six-week wait for an NHS endoscopy1. That’s why LivingCare provides accessible endoscopy at a time and place that suits you.
LivingCare offers comprehensive endoscopy services at our state-of-the-art facilities in Leeds (Thorpe Park Clinic) and Sheffield (Canon Medical Arena. This ensures convenient access to expert diagnostic care across Yorkshire. Our experienced endoscopists perform thousands of procedures annually, utilising the latest Olympus EVIS X1 endoscopy technology to deliver unparalleled image quality and patient comfort.
Upper endoscopies diagnose conditions if you suffer from specific upper digestive tract symptoms. This could be persitent heartburn, or a feeling of food sticking in your throat. You may be experiencing unexplained weight loss or anaemia. Some people with upper abdominal pain or suspected stomach ulcers use an endoscopy to locate the source.
Lower endoscopies focus on diagnosing conditions related to lower digestive tract and bowel symptoms. Suppose you have unexplained changes in your bowel habits, diarrhoea or constipation that won’t go away, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain – you may have an endoscopy to diagnose your problem.
Upper and lower endoscopies can administer treatments to your digestive system. These include polyp removal, biopsies, managing bleeds, removing foreign bodies and relieving obstructions.
Studies show that endoscopic procedures can detect gastrointestinal cancers with over 95% accuracy, with early detection improving survival rates by up to 80% compared to late-stage diagnosis.
Our endoscopy suites feature the latest technological advances. These include the Olympus EVIS X1 systems, which give us next-generation image processing in 4K resolution. Our high-definition cameras use enhanced visuals for improved tissue detail, helping us diagnose more accurately.
An initial consultation will discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail, evaluate your risk of complications, and help you choose the most appropriate and beneficial examination type.
If you are going to have an upper endoscopy, you’ll be expected to fast for 6 hours, and only drink clear fluids until 2 hours before the appointment. You can continue regular medications unless advised otherwise.
For a lower endoscopy, you must switch to a low-fibre diet for 24-48 hours before your appointment, and take any special cleansing preparations LivingCare recommends to help clear the bowel. We will discuss specific instructions for things like blood thinners and diabeted medications with you in person.
Sedation Choices:
Procedure timeline:
During Your Endoscopy
Your experienced consultant will talk you through each step of the procedure as it happens, making sure you are comfortable. You can have the option to view the screen during the procedure, if you wish. After the procedure, your consultant will explain what they have seen and talk about next steps if needed.
After your procedure, you'll be taken to a recovery room where we can monitor your vital signs until you're stable and alert. Your consultant will discuss the initial findings with you before you're discharged.
Without sedation, you can immediately resume normal activities, drive home and return to work the same day. If you receive sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home and avoid alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours. Most patients return to work the next day.
LivingCare maintains exceptional safety standards, but minor side effects may be common and temporary. These include a sore throat after upper endoscopy (resolves within hours), bloating from air insufflation, and mild sedation effects (monitored until resolution).
In rare cases, complications may include perforation of the examined organ, bleeding and an adverse reaction to sedation.
We know it’s normal to ask questions and share concerns after your procedure, so we provide a 24-hour contact number for immediate issues. You'll receive your full written report within 24-48 hours, and if any biopsies were taken, these results are typically available within 7-10 days. Any necessary follow-up appointments will be scheduled based on your findings and treatment needs.
1https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/endoscopy/appointments
“Had a phone call yesterday about an appointment for today, for an endoscopy; all staff were absolutely lovely, everything was explained properly and were really reassuring during the procedure. I would say the worst part was having the numbing...”
lauren tuohy
01
July 2025
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, especially with our gentle technique and sedation options. The vast majority rate their experience as better than expected.
Visual findings are discussed immediately after the procedure. Complete written reports are available within 24-48 hours, with biopsy results typically ready in 7-10 days.
Yes, we can often combine procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) to provide a comprehensive assessment in one session.
This depends on your individual risk factors and findings. Your consultant will recommend an appropriate surveillance schedule.
Our consultants can often address findings immediately during the procedure. We'll explain all options and next steps clearly.
We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.