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Colonoscopy

Also known as: colonic endoscopy, lower GI endoscopy, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, large intestine endoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon and rectum.

Gastroenterology
01442 331 900
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What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the examination of the lining of bowel to determine the cause of underlying bowel symptoms. An experienced expert passes a flexible tube called a colonoscope with a camera inside into your bottom, so your doctor can have a look inside. This test can help diagnose many conditions, including IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s), colon polyps and bowel cancer.

Why might you need a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is often advised with significant changes in bowel habits or when experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stools
  • Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Any of the above symptoms in combination with a raised temperature, feeling generally unwell, feeling or being sick and extreme fatigue.

A colonoscopy can also be used to investigate new and/or monitor existing bowel conditions such as:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diverticular disease or diverticulitis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Internal haemorrhoids
  • Colon polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon that can be benign but are often removed to prevent potential progression to cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Iron deficiency anaemia (low blood count)

Bowel cancer screening

Colon cancer screening is a crucial part of preventive healthcare. Colonoscopy is the most effective screening test for colon cancer, allowing the doctor to visualise the entire colon and remove any polyps or abnormal tissue. It’s essential to discuss your personal or family history, risk factors, and screening options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you. Early detection through regular screening can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Hospital fee guide price: £1,634

Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included

More about pricing

Before treatment

When preparing for a colonoscopy, the first step is to obtain a referral from your local GP. Once you have this, you can schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterology experts. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms in detail. If the doctor determines that a colonoscopy is appropriate for you, they will proceed to refer you for the procedure. If polyps or abnormal tissue are found during the procedure, or if there are certain risk factors present, your doctor may recommend having a colonoscopy sooner than the typical screening interval.

Preparing for the procedure

To ensure the colonoscopy is successful, you’ll receive specific instructions to follow beforehand. Seven days prior to the procedure, you’ll be advised to discontinue certain supplements, such as iron or charcoal tablets. Then, two days before the colonoscopy, it’s important to start a low-fibre diet. This dietary change helps prepare your system for the procedure.

The day before your colonoscopy, your doctor will prescribe a laxative to clear your system, allowing for a clear view inside the colon and rectum. Once the laxative begins to work, you’ll need to use the toilet frequently. To alleviate any discomfort, consider using wet wipes and a barrier cream. It’s a good idea to have a phone or book handy to pass the time. Frequent bathroom visits can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel cold, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and keep warm.

Twelve hours before your appointment, you’ll need to stop eating or drinking, even if you typically follow a ‘normal diet.’ Then, two hours before the procedure, you should cease drinking altogether. Upon arriving at the hospital, you’ll be shown to your room, where you can change into appropriate attire. Don’t forget to bring any prescription medications with you. Your doctor will also confirm that you’re still comfortable proceeding with the colonoscopy.

During treatment

A colonoscopy is a brief procedure, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes, and is often classified as an outpatient or day case, meaning patients don’t stay at the hospital overnight. Sedation is an option to help you relax during the procedure. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera through your anus into the colon. This allows the doctor to examine the whole colon and a part of the small intestine on a screen. If polyps are present, they can be removed during the procedure. Patients generally lie on their left side in a hospital gown for comfort.

To enhance visibility, air may be gently introduced into the colon, which might cause a sensation of fullness or gas. During the procedure, tissue samples or polyps can be removed for laboratory testing, which involves taking a tissue sample for analysis to determine if the tissues are abnormal or cancerous. This is painless, though some mild discomfort or bleeding may occur afterward, typically subsiding within a day. The entire colonoscopy procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

After treatment

After the colonoscopy, our attentive nursing staff will ensure you are comfortable in your room. Our catering team will bring you a meal to satisfy your hunger, and once you’re settled, you’ll receive a detailed procedure report. Your doctor will discuss the next steps with you, ensuring you are fully informed.

When you’re ready to leave, if you have had sedation, it’s important to have someone pick you up as the sedation wears off. If you have had sedation you might feel slightly groggy and sleepy for the rest of the day.

During your recovery, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. If you experience severe abdominal pain, a high fever, vomiting, bleeding from the rectum, or difficulty eating solid foods, it’s important to contact the hospital or visit the emergency department. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to assist you if any concerning symptoms arise.

Risks and complications

While a colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications. One such risk is significant bleeding, which occurs in about 1 in 1,000 procedures. This can happen more frequently if a polyp is removed. Another risk is perforation, a hole in the wall of the colon, which happening in about 1 in 2,000 procedures, with a higher risk with polyp removal. Infection is another rare possibility, as with any invasive medical procedure. Additionally, there is a risk of an adverse reaction to sedation, which might include difficulty breathing or an allergic reaction. Lastly, there is a small risk that some lesions or polyps might be missed, especially if the colon is not properly cleaned.

Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision about undergoing a colonoscopy procedure.

Interpreting results

After your colonoscopy, your doctor will review the results with you, helping you understand what the findings indicate.

In cases where polyps are detected, these will be removed during the procedure and sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the polyps turn out to be cancerous, further treatment may be required to address the condition. Additionally, if any abnormal tissue is discovered, a biopsy may be conducted to determine its cause, ensuring appropriate follow-up care is provided.

For individuals showing signs of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, additional testing and treatment may be necessary to manage the condition effectively. Discussing these results with your doctor is crucial, as it will guide you in understanding your health status and the next steps in your care plan.

Appointment and Treatment Plan

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Appointment

Based on your previous consultation with a doctor, an appointment will be arranged between you and your expert.

Consultation

During this appointment, you’ll go through your medical history, your symptoms, and together, you’ll decide whether further investigation, such as colonoscopy is the best next step.

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Preparation

If colonoscopy is an option, then the specialist will provide you with instructions on how to best prepare for your procedure.

Procedure

Prior to going through the colonoscopy, our team will ensure that you’re prepped once again. If everything is confirmed, you’ll undergo the procedure and then we’ll explain the aftercare instructions.

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Aftercare

If necessary, you’ll stay in a ward for a while to ensure that you’re ready to go home after the procedure.

Follow-Up

You’ll come in to meet your doctor, discuss your results and agree on further steps.

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Experts

We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.

We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment

We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.

Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.

Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.

Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.

Pay in Advance

Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.

We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.

We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.

Pay monthly

Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.

Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.

A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.

Pay using PMI

We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.

Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.

Hospital fee guide price: £1,634

Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included

What's included in the Hospital Package?

What’s included? Hospital Only Fixed Price Package
Consultant fees X
Anaesthetist fees X
Initial consultation X
Standard pre-admission assessments
Accommodation
Meals
Nursing
Theatre charges
Histology
Drugs and dressings
Standard prosthesis charges
Take-home medications
Post-op consultation X

FAQs

Most patients experience none to minimal discomfort during a colonoscopy, which is often controlled with pain killers, while sedation can be used to help you relax. You might feel some pressure or bloating, but the procedure is generally not painful.

The colonoscopy procedure typically lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. However, you should plan for additional time to check in, prepare, and recover from sedation, generally 2-3 hours in total.

Sedation is commonly offered during a colonoscopy to help with comfort. While you are not fully asleep, the sedation helps you relax and minimises any potential discomfort.

Three days before the procedure, it is advised to avoid high-fibre foods, seeds, and nuts. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on a low-fibre diet to follow.

Colonoscopy is a vital screening tool for detecting colorectal cancer early. It allows the doctor to identify and remove polyps or abnormal tissue, reducing the risk of cancer development.

Recovery from a colonoscopy is usually quick. Most people feel back to normal within a day, though you might experience mild bloating or cramping.

Some patients may experience mild soreness or irritation around the anus after the procedure, but this typically resolves within a day or two.

You can return to your normal diet after the procedure. Start with light meals and increase as tolerated, based on your doctor’s advice.

While complications are rare, potential risks include bleeding, perforation of the colon, and adverse reactions to sedation. Discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Medically reviewed by Dr Mani Naghibi - Consultant Gastroenterologist on 21/12/2024