What is a sigmoidoscopy?
A sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that examines the rectum (where your poo collects before it comes out) and the lower part of the colon closest to the rectum (the sigmoid colon and descending colon). Unlike a colonoscopy, which examines the entire colon (the large bowel), a sigmoidoscopy focuses on the lower sections.
A sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to identify:
- Inflammation in your intestinal lining (colitis or proctitis)
- Infected pockets in your intestinal lining (diverticulitis)
- Scar tissue that is narrowing your intestine
- Ulcers
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Polyps (benign or cancerous growths on the lining of the intestine. These can often be removed during a sigmoidoscopy.)
- Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer)
- Rectal cancer
A sigmoidoscopy may be recommended if you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Bright or fresh rectal bleeding
- General or non-specific tummy symptoms
- Belly pain
- Feeling bloated
A sigmoidoscopy involves using a thin tube with a light and camera at the end. This can be flexible or rigid. During the procedure, your doctor may also perform a biopsy, where tissue samples are taken to help make a diagnosis, or remove polyps, which are very common growths in the intestinal lining. Haemorrhoids (piles) can also be checked and treated during a sigmoidoscopy.
The difference between a flexible sigmoidoscopy and a rigid sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon, using a long, thin flexible tube.
A rigid sigmoidoscopy uses a shorter rigid tube (proctoscope) to examine only the rectum and sigmoid colon.
What Is The Cost of a Private Sigmoidoscopy?
from £1,600*
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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Diagnostic Sigmoidoscopy |
from £1,600* |
|---|---|
|
Therapeutic Sigmoidoscopy |
from £1,650* |
Consultants who perform Sigmoidoscopy
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Private Sigmoidoscopy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
A private diagnostic sigmoidoscopy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £1,600*, and a therapeutic sigmoidoscopy, where a biopsy or polyp removal is carried out at the same time, starts from £1,650*. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs.
A colonoscopy examines the whole of the large bowel, while a sigmoidoscopy examines only the rectum and lower colon. A sigmoidoscopy is often quicker and needs less preparation, but if your consultant wants to see the entire colon they may recommend a colonoscopy instead.
You will be given specific dietary instructions when you book. In general, you may be advised to eat lightly and avoid heavy meals on the day, but always follow the guidance from our team.
You will usually have a consultation or pre-assessment where your symptoms and medical history are reviewed, the procedure is explained, and you can ask any questions. You will then be given clear instructions on how to prepare.
Yes. Please tell your consultant about all medicines you take, particularly blood thinners, iron tablets and diabetes medication, as some may need to be adjusted before the procedure. Do not stop any medication unless you have been told to.
Preparation usually involves emptying the lower bowel, often with an enema or laxative, so that your consultant has a clear view. Our team will give you full written instructions, tailored to you, before your appointment.
You will be welcomed by our team, taken through the procedure again and asked to change into a gown. The examination itself is usually short, and your consultant will talk you through what they have found afterwards.
Most patients feel pressure, bloating or mild cramping as the scope is passed, similar to needing to open your bowels. The procedure should not be painful, and you can tell your consultant if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
Alternatives include a colonoscopy, which examines the whole colon, CT colonography, and stool tests. Your consultant will explain which test is most appropriate for your symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Professor Patrick Kennedy - MB BCH BAO BMEDSCI FRCP MD on 29/10/2026