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LivingCare delivers comprehensive colonoscopy screening using the latest technology to detect early bowel cancer and other conditions. Our consultant gastroenterologists thoroughly examine the entire colon, achieving above-average detection rates. Available across Yorkshire with same-day appointments and expert care throughout your journey.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic procedure for examining your entire large bowel (colon) and rectum, using a flexible camera-equipped tube called a colonoscope. This comprehensive examination allows our specialist gastroenterologists to visualise the complete 1.5-metre length of your colon, from rectum to caecum, detecting potentially life-threatening conditions like bowel cancer at their earliest, most treatable stages.
Unlike shorter procedures like sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy provides complete visualisation of the entire large bowel, making it the most thorough method for detecting bowel cancer, polyps, and inflammatory conditions throughout your digestive system. Advanced techniques such as chromocolonoscopy can enhance accuracy by up to 11%, according to some studies1. This involves applying harmless dyes to the colon's interior surface to make abnormalities and features stand out for the camera.
At LivingCare, we deliver expert colonoscopy services at both our Leeds and Sheffield locations. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest comfort-enhancing techniques to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
There are three main reasons to seek a colonoscopy.
You may have started seeing blood in your poo, or have an unexplained iron deficiency. Perhaps your bowel habits have changed over the last few weeks, with diarrhoea, constipation, mucus or discharge that you cannot explain. You might have persistent abdominal cramps or feel that your bowels are not emptying. These are all excellent reasons to have a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopies are often used to monitor the condition of your colon, helping prevent illness and promote recovery. It can keep an eye on polyps, track recovery from bowl surgery and cancer treatments or look for cancers in people with a family history of bowel cancer. It will also investigate the reasons for abnormal CT or MRI scan readings.
Colonoscopies sometimes involve direct intervention, aiding in polyp or foreign body removals, biopsy collections and bleeding control.
Research demonstrates that colonoscopy can reduce bowel cancer deaths by up to 67% through early detection and polyp removal2, making it the most effective colorectal cancer prevention strategy available. Our leading consultants work in purpose-built endoscopy suites in Leeds and Sheffield, offering same-day procedures for urgent referrals and comprehensive care from preparation to follow-up.
Our colonoscopy procedures utilise the latest Olympus high-definition endoscopes. These use HD imaging technology and LED lighting, yet only measure 13mm in diameter.
You may be offered a chromocolonoscopy. This specialised procedure sprays a harmless dye on the inside of your colon before it is screened. The added colour helps doctors identify unusual features more clearly, such as raised lesions and polyps, mucosal changes, and faint borders around abnormal tissue. It is particularly valuable for patients suffering from conditions where detecting early changes can improve outcomes.
What to eat
Starting 3-5 days before your procedure, you will need to avoid high-fibre foods like popcorn and seeds, as well as nuts, red meat and any food with red colouring added. Instead, you will be asked to choose white bread, white rice, pasta, chicken and fish, as well as eggs and dairy.
How to prepare your bowel
Drink only clear liquids from lunchtime the day before your colonoscopy, and take any preparation solutions that LivingCare ask you to use. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Adjusting your medications
You should stop taking iron supplements 5-7 days before the colonoscopy. All your medications will be discussed with LivingCare at the booking stage, as any blood thinners may need to be stopped temporarily.
Available Comfort Options:
Procedure Timeline:
During Your Colonoscopy: Your experienced consultant will explain each step, ensuring you're comfortable throughout. You may feel some pressure as the scope advances through your colon, as well as a brief cramping when air is introduced to widen the passage. There may be a momentary discomfort when the scope is manoeuvred.
Immediately after your colonoscopy, you’ll rest in the recovery room where we can monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. You’ll be able to discuss the Immediate results with a consultant.
After discharge, you can resume normal activities immediately without sedation. If you had sedation, someone must drive you home, and you’ll need to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
Colonoscopy is one of the safest endoscopic procedures, with our expert team performing thousands annually with excellent outcomes.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention:
Feeling bloated or having mild cramping in the first 24-48 hours is normal. You’ll return to all your normal activities and diet by 48-72 hours. You’ll have a scheduled follow-up appointment if biopsies are taken, with results due in 5-7 days.
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.
