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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.
Consultants who perform Sigmoidoscopy
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
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently located for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the surrounding areas.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
If you are having a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you may need to follow a low fibre diet or fast the day before. Drinks may also be limited to clear liquids, such as water and black tea or coffee. Avoid red drinks which could be mistaken for blood during the test. You may also need to take a laxative the night before to help clear your bowel.
If you are having a rigid sigmoidoscopy, you can eat and drink as normal the day before.
If you’re worried about your bowel symptoms and would like to see a consultant, get in touch and we’ll book you in with one of our specialist doctors. During your appointment, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, any test results, and take a detailed medical history. Please bring any paper copies of test results or treatment plans with you. Your doctor will talk through your options and let you know whether you need further tests, such as bloods or a poo sample, and whether a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy should be performed. If you decide to have a sigmoidoscopy, our Pre-Assessment team will call you a few days before to explain what will happen and answer any questions.
Yes. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications — especially for diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems — or if you take medications or supplements that contain iron, or blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin. You may need to adjust your dosages or stop taking them temporarily ahead of your sigmoidoscopy. Only change your medication if your doctor has advised you to.
Your lower bowel needs to be clear for your sigmoidoscopy, and your doctor will give you specific instructions.
If you take iron supplements, stop taking these seven days before.
If you’re having a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you may be asked to follow a low fibre diet or fast the day before, and drink only clear liquids such as water and black tea or coffee — avoid red drinks. You may need to take a laxative the night before. A few hours before, you’ll use an enema to clear your bowel.
If you’re having a rigid sigmoidoscopy, you can eat and drink as normal the day before and will use suppositories to empty your rectum. These should be held in place for at least 20 minutes before leaving home.
You’ll receive instructions to guide you through the process.
When you arrive at our hospital, we’ll show you to your room and you’ll change into a hospital gown. Don’t forget to bring your prescription medications. Your doctor will see you before the procedure to check that you’re still happy to go ahead. If you’re having a flexible sigmoidoscopy, the procedure takes around 15 minutes, and we recommend sedation to help you relax — you’ll need someone to collect you afterwards. If you’re having a rigid sigmoidoscopy, sedation is usually not needed and the procedure lasts 5–15 minutes. Both tests involve gently inserting a tube or scope into your bottom, using lubricant and pumping air in to open up the bowel. Your doctor will view the images on a screen and may take biopsies or remove any polyps.
Flexible and rigid sigmoidoscopies can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful. Sedation is available for flexible sigmoidoscopy to help reduce any discomfort. During the test, you may feel cramping or pressure as air is pumped into your bowel. If biopsies are taken or polyps removed, you shouldn’t feel this. Afterwards, it’s normal to feel and hear air escaping from your back passage — don’t worry, this is completely normal.
After your sigmoidoscopy, you’ll be taken back to your private room where our nurses will check on you. You may feel a bit gassy or uncomfortable due to the air used — letting this out will help. You’ll be given a procedure report and your doctor will explain the next steps.
If you had biopsies, results are usually ready in a week.
If a follow-up is needed, we’ll let you know before you leave so you can book this in.
If you had sedation, you’ll need someone to pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours. During this time, avoid alcohol, cooking and making important decisions.
It’s normal to experience bloating, wind, or a little bleeding. If you have severe tummy pain, heavy bleeding, a fever or vomiting, contact our Urgent Care Clinic or go to A&E and take your endoscopy report with you.
Medically reviewed by Professor Patrick Kennedy - MB BCH BAO BMEDSCI FRCP MD on 21/02/2024