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Private colonoscopy in North London
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon (large intestine). It is commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer, investigate symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits, and to find or remove polyps before they become cancerous. A colonoscopy helps detect problems early, when treatment is most effective, and is an important tool for maintaining digestive health.
Also known as: lower endoscopy
Colonoscopy explained by Mr Navaratnam
Mr Romi Navaratnam, Hernia and GI surgeon, guides you through how a colonoscopy procedure is performed. From the pre-procedure preparations at home, what happens on the day and your aftercare treatment plan.
What is a colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, a thin tube with a tiny light and camera attached is passed into your bottom and up into your bowel, so your doctor can take a close look.
A colonoscopy might be recommended if you’re exhibiting symptoms such as:
- Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo
- Changes in bowel habits
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Struggling to pass gas
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
You would have a colonoscopy if your consultant or GP would like more information to help give you a diagnosis. This is normally performed as a day case procedure but your colorectal surgeon will advise you when booking your procedure.
Consultants who perform Colonoscopies
How Much Does a Private Colonoscopy Cost?
from £1,885*
Hospital Fee Guarantee. The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
|
Diagnostic Colonoscopy |
£1,885 |
|---|---|
|
Therapeutic Colonoscopy |
£1,935 |
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 Colonoscopy
A private colonoscopy costs from £1,885* at St John & St Elizabeth’s Hospital.
A diagnostic colonoscopy costs £1,885* and a therapeutic colonoscopy costs £1,935*
Many people first see a GP, who may recommend a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) to check for traces of blood in your stool and possibly refer you to a specialist GI or colorectal doctor. If you prefer to see a specialist directly, you can call our hospital to book an appointment with one of our colorectal or GI consultants.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review any test results, and take a detailed medical history. They will also ask about any medications you are taking, especially for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, or blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin, as you may need to adjust these before a colonoscopy. Based on this, they will explain your options and whether further tests such as blood tests, stool samples, or a colonoscopy are needed.
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves clearing your bowel completely to ensure a clear view during the procedure. About seven days before, stop certain supplements like iron or charcoal tablets. Two days before, start a low fibre diet including foods like plain steamed chicken, white rice, pasta, bread, and clear soup. The day before, you’ll take a strong laxative as prescribed and should not eat once you start the laxative. Drink plenty of fluids, use wet wipes and barrier cream to reduce soreness, and wrap up warm as you may feel cold. Stop drinking all fluids three hours before your appointment.
The colonoscopy takes around 30-45 minutes and is usually a day case procedure, allowing you to go home the same day. Sedation is recommended to help you relax and reduce pain. You will lie on your left side hugging your knees while the doctor passes a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a light and camera) into your bottom. Air is gently pumped into your bowel to open it up, which may cause some discomfort. The doctor inspects the lining of your bowel via a video screen and can remove any polyps found during the procedure.
A colonoscopy will last around 30-45 minutes. You will spend longer at hospital than this as you will be assessed before your procedure and monitored straight afterwards. You should be able to be discharged on the same day.
After the procedure, nurses will take you to a room to recover and help you pass wind to relieve bloating. You’ll be offered a meal and given a procedure report along with your doctor’s advice on next steps. You should arrange for someone to pick you up and look after you for 24 hours while the sedation wears off. Avoid alcohol, cooking, or making important decisions during this time. Some cramps, grogginess, and slight bleeding in your stool for a few days afterward are normal.
Contact your doctor or our hospital immediately if you experience severe tummy pain, a high temperature, vomiting, bleeding from the back passage, or if you are unable to eat solid food during your recovery.
Medically reviewed by Professor Patrick Kennedy - MB BCH BAO BMEDSCI FRCP MD on 21/02/2024