Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is often advised with significant changes in bowel habits or when experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stools
• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Any of the above symptoms in combination with a raised temperature, feeling generally unwell, feeling or being sick and extreme fatigue.

A colonoscopy can also be used to investigate new and/or monitor existing bowel conditions such as:

• Crohn’s disease
• Diverticular disease or diverticulitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Colorectal cancer
• Internal haemorrhoids
• Polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease

A colonoscopy is usually performed under sedation whilst lying on your left side. When ready, the consultant will pass the colonoscope carefully through your anus into the bowel. The consultant will examine the images from the camera as it moves through your body. In order for the consultant to get a clear picture of your bowel, a small amount of air may be gently pumped into your bowels through the colonoscope. This will pass naturally during the following 24 hours or so.

During the colonoscopy, tissue samples and/or polyps (growths on the bowel walls) can be removed for lab testing (biopsies). This will be painless but may result in some mild pain and bleeding post operatively. These symptoms should ease within a day or two.

The procedure will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Guide price: £1,400

**Guide prices may vary following consultation

Expected length of stay: Day case procedure

Our Enquiries Team are here to help. To speak to a member of the team about a procedure, simply use one of the contact methods below:

• Complete the online contact form here
• Email our Enquiries Team on enquiries@dev1.osdhealthcare.co.uk
• Call our Enquiries Team on 01442 331 900