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Sigmoidoscopy

Diagnose and monitor conditions concerning the rectum and lower part of the bowel.

Sigmoidoscopy

Overview

What is a Sigmoidoscopy?

A Sigmoidoscopy helps diagnose and monitor conditions concerning the rectum and lower part of the bowel.

How a Sigmoidoscopy works  

A consultant performs a Sigmoidoscopy using an endoscope. This long, flexible tube has a bright light and a camera at the end, allowing the doctor to see the lining of the large bowel on a screen.

What to expect when receiving a Sigmoidoscopy

Before the appointment

You will need to tell the consultant about any medications you are taking, as you need to stop taking some medications before the test. You may also need to follow a low-fibre diet for five days before the test. If you are having sedation, you’ll need to arrange transport to get home after the appointment.

At the appointment

The appointment will not take long, and most people don’t need sedation. However, if you’d like it, let your consultant know. The doctor will administer pain relief, which also has a calming effect.

You will lie on your side. The endoscope will be put into your back passage and pushed into your large bowel. The consultant will pump air into the bowl to give them space to do the test.

After the appointment

After the test you’ll move to the recovery area. If you had a sedative, a nurse will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate. You will need someone to take you home after the test.

If you didn’t have a sedative, you can go home if you feel well.

Risks and complications of a Sigmoidoscopy

A Sigmoidoscopy is considered a safe test. However, being aware of the risks and side effects is important. After Sigmoidoscopy, you may:

  • Feel bloated from the gas
  • Have a slow breathing rate after a sedation
  • Have a tear in the bowel wall (1 in 5000 patients)
  • Bleeding
  • Mild cramps

How to recover following a Sigmoidoscopy

After the Sigmoidoscopy, you can go home. If you had a sedation, someone must drive you home and stay with you for 12 hours.

Read more

Our Prices

Sigmoidoscopy
Price
Consultation
£
200.00
Sigmoidoscopy
£
1799.00

Common questions relating to a Sigmoidoscopy

Can I drive after a Sigmoidoscopy?

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Does a Sigmoidoscopy hurt?

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Locations

You can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.

Consutants

You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.

How it works

Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps

  • 1

    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.

  • 2

    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.

  • 3

    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.

  • 4

    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.

Ways to pay

Explore the various options available for this treatment.

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Self Pay

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.

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Medical Insurance

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.

Availability Options

Some of our treatments are available on the NHS, click here to learn more about the different way to pay for your care

Sigmoidoscopy

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