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Private Lower Bowel Endoscopy & Rectal Diagnostics

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a quick, safe diagnostic examination that evaluates the rectum and the lower part of your large intestine (sigmoid colon and descending colon). Taking only 15 minutes, it is the ideal diagnostic test for rectal bleeding, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, chronic diarrhoea, and altered bowel habits. Because it focuses on the lower bowel, it requires simpler preparation and sedation is rarely needed.

Quick 15-minute examination

Simple preparation with no sedation needed

Drive home straight after appointment

Immediate face-to-face consultant results

Call Admissions: 01702 782005

Direct private self-referral with no GP letter required. Appointments scheduled within 48 to 72 hours.

CareQualityCommission

Chartwell Hospital

Overall CQC Rating: Good

Inspection: 27 February 2025See the report

Transparent Pricing

Fixed-Price Lower GI Endoscopy Fees

Clear transparent pricing with zero unexpected hospital charges. Procedure, disposable equipment, biopsy sampling, histology analysis, and consultant follow-up are fully covered.

Targeted Lower GI Scope

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Focused examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon for bleeding, piles, fissures, or altered habits.

All-inclusive fee:£999Financing available on enquiry

Package includes:

Full consultant gastroenterologist assessment

Gentle enema preparation on arrival

HD video inspection of rectum & lower colon

Painless tissue biopsies & polyp sampling

Immediate verbal debrief with findings on the day

Detailed GP summary report dispatched within 24 hours

Full Bowel Investigation

Complete Colonoscopy

Examines the entire length of the large intestine when symptoms or family history require full investigation.

All-inclusive fee:£1,499Conscious sedation & full bowel prep included

Package includes:

Complete large bowel examination to the caecum

Hospital bowel cleansing protocol

Intravenous conscious sedation & analgesia

Full polypectomy & laboratory histology

Private day recovery suite

Consultations & Tests

Outpatient Services

For patients who wish to discuss symptoms with a consultant gastroenterologist first.

Initial Consultation:From £250

Follow-Up Consultation:From £150

Abdominal Ultrasound:From £100

Diagnostic Blood Panel:From £200

Blood tests include Full Blood Count (FBC), Kidney Function (U&Es), Liver Function (LFT), Bone Profile, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Diagnostic referral included in consultation fee if required.

Patient Guidance

How to Prepare for Your Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Simple, straightforward guidance to ensure your comfort, safety, and an effective diagnostic exam.

Preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy is faster and more convenient than a full colonoscopy. You will follow a light diet the day before, drinking clear fluids such as water, black tea or coffee without milk, clear broth, and fruit cordials. You must strictly avoid red or purple fluids, which can be confused with blood in the bowel. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Clinical Conditions

What Does Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Investigate?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy provides immediate high-definition visual assessment and tissue biopsy collection for common lower bowel and rectal conditions:

Rectal Bleeding & HaemorrhoidsDifferentiating between internal haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and bleeding bowel polyps.

Chronic Diarrhoea & ProctitisIdentifying rectal inflammation, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Lower Bowel PolypsDetecting and biopsying polyps in the rectum and sigmoid colon before they develop into cancer.

Altered Bowel HabitsInvestigating persistent changes in stool frequency, consistency, or incomplete evacuation.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy vs Full Colonoscopy

Both are safe, highly accurate endoscopic procedures, but they serve different diagnostic scopes:

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (15 Mins)

Examines the last 50 centimetres (rectum and sigmoid). Ideal when symptoms clearly originate in the lower bowel. Simpler enema prep on arrival, no sedation required, and you can drive home immediately.

Full Colonoscopy (30 to 60 Mins)

Examines the entire 1.5-metre length of the large intestine. Recommended when polyps are suspected further up, for iron-deficiency anaemia, or for unexplained abdominal pain higher in the colon.

What is included