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GI Clinic » Sigmoidoscopy

Private Sigmoidoscopy in London

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).

Also known as: flexible sigmoidoscopy or rigid sigmoidoscopy – depending on the instruments used. A rigid sigmoidoscopy can also be called a proctoscopy.

£1,885

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?

£1,885

Private Sigmoidoscopy costs £1,885 at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.

Hospital Fee Guaranteed. 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.

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