Private Colonoscopy
Bowel examination
An effective way of diagnosing bowel conditions or removing polyps
Why have you been referred for a Colonoscopy?
It's an effective diagnostic procedure that allows our consultant to examine your bowel in detail. You might have a colonoscopy as part of a biopsy or for removing polyps.
What is a Colonoscopy?
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What happens during a colonoscopy? icon plus
You'll be offered a sedative injection to help you relax. Your consultant will ask you to lie on your left side. When you're ready, they'll pass a flexible tube with a camera on one end (endoscope) carefully through your anus to your bowel. They'll examine the images from the camera as it moves through your body.
To help your consultant see your bowel more clearly, a small amount of air will be pumped through the tube to your bowel. If they notice any problems, they can take a tissue sample or remove polyps by passing another instrument through the endoscope. -
How to prepare icon plus
It's important that your bowel is as empty as possible for your colonoscopy. That means you won't be able to eat for one to three days beforehand. You will be advised what you can consume including; clear liquids such as water, broth, black tea and black coffee.
You will be given bowel prep (a laxative) to take the night before your procedure. You may need to take it every few hours. Your consultant will tell you exactly what you need to do prepare. -
After your procedure icon plus
As with all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have. If you have a sedative, we'll ask you to wait with us until it wears off. You won't be able to drive so please arrange for someone to take you home.
You should be fine to get back to your usual routine the next day. It's normal to feel bloated and windy immediately after your colonoscopy but it shouldn't last too long. You might also have some stomach cramps. If you start to bleed heavily or experience pain, let your consultant know straight away.
Find a gastroenterology consultant
Where to get a private colonoscopy in London
From complex GI surgery to diagnostic tests, scans and minor procedures, we provide exceptional gastroenterology care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Endoscopy Centre
21 Wellington Hospital
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
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The Endoscopy Centre
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital GI services
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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London Bridge Hospital Endoscopy Department
St Olaf House
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private colonoscopy in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Contact us about our gastroenterology services
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced gastroenterologists.