Blood In Your Poo: What Does It Mean – And What Should I Do About It?
19/5/2025
LivingCare's gastroscopy services swiftly diagnose upper digestive conditions using state-of-the-art endoscopy technology. Our experienced consultants examine your throat, stomach and oesophagus with precision, offering same-day procedures and immediate results. Available at our Leeds and Sheffield locations with flexible sedation options for your comfort.
A gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure. It allows specialist gastroenterologists to examine the inside of your upper digestive system – including your throat, stomach and the first part of your small intestine – using a thin, flexible camera called a gastroscope.
If you're experiencing persistent heartburn, unexplained nausea, difficulty swallowing, or upper abdominal pain, a gastroscopy can provide clear answers about what's causing your symptoms.
Our experienced consultants typically recommend gastroscopy when you experience:
Digestive diseases of the gut, liver and pancreas account for 1 in 8 deaths in the UK – yet research from charity Guts UK found 58% of people feel too embarrassed to talk about their digestive conditions or symptoms, and 52% of people put off seeking advice for their symptoms for over six months.
Our gastroenterologists perform hundreds of procedures annually, using the latest endoscopic equipment for high-quality imaging. We can offer same-day appointments in Leeds and Sheffield for urgent concerns, with flexible sedation options to suit you. Most findings are discussed immediately, with biopsy results within 10 days.
Our consultant uses a narrow, flexible endoscope with a high-definition camera during your procedure. This state-of-the-art device, no wider than a pencil, is gently guided through your mouth and throat, allowing real-time visualisation of your upper digestive tract on a monitor.
If necessary, the consultant can also:
We understand that having a camera inserted through your mouth can feel daunting. At LivingCare, your comfort is our priority, which is why we offer flexible sedation options:
Throat Spray Only: Local anaesthetic spray that numbs your throat, allowing you to remain fully alert throughout the procedure. You can drive yourself home afterwards.
Conscious Sedation Injection: A mild sedative is given through a small injection in your hand or arm, helping you feel relaxed and drowsy while remaining conscious.
Most patients find the procedure more comfortable than expected, and our experienced team will discuss which option is best for you during your consultation.
You will need to fast for 6 hours, and only drink clear fluids until 2 hours before your appointment. You can continue to take essential medications unless specifically advised otherwise.Bring the names of any medications you take, and details of your medical history. If choosing sedation, arrange for someone to collect you (you cannot drive for 24 hours).
Your gastroscopy will typically last 15-20 minutes. Here's what happens:
If you received sedation, you’ll stay in our comfortable recovery area while the effects wear off (typically 30-60 minutes). Someone must collect you to take you home – you cannot drive for 24 hours. Additionally, you will need to avoid alcohol for 24 hours and take it easy for the rest of the day.
Gastroscopy is known to be one of the safest medical procedures. However, we believe in complete transparency about potential risks. There are infrequent complications (less than 1 in 10,000 cases) that can include a reaction to sedation, minor bleeding following biopsy, perforation, or infection. Our consultants' expertise and advanced equipment significantly minimise these already minimal risks.
If no biopsy is taken, your consultant will discuss findings immediately after the procedure. Biopsy results typically take 7-10 days.
Yes, once your throat sensation returns, usually in one hour, you can resume your normal diet unless advised otherwise.
Without sedation: Immediately. With sedation, we recommend taking the rest of the day off and returning to work the next day.
With throat spray only: Yes, you'll be fully aware. With sedation, Many patients have little to no memory of the procedure.
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.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Give us a call or use our contact form to get in touch with us. After receiving your referral, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time and date for your appointment.
We Contact You
Within 24 hours, a member of our team will offer you an appointment date and time that suits you. Following the scheduling of your appointment, you will be required to attend one of our clinics for your consultation or scan.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment on your chosen date and time to see one of our highly qualified consultants. After your appointment, a consultant will prepare a written report, which will be sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you require any further tests, treatments, or reviews, we will refer you and take care of the booking process. If you need a copy of your report or images, please contact us, and we can arrange this.
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.
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