Private colonoscopy in Canterbury

Private colonoscopy services at Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic investigation used to examine the inside lining of your large bowel (colon) and rectum using a thin, flexible camera called a colonoscope.

At Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury, private colonoscopy services provide prompt access to specialist bowel investigations and consultant-led care within a calm, professional, and supportive hospital environment.

A colonoscopy can help investigate a wide range of digestive and bowel symptoms, while also identifying abnormalities affecting the colon or rectum at an early stage. You may be referred for a colonoscopy if you are experiencing persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, bloating, or other gastrointestinal symptoms that require further assessment.

What kind of consultant performs a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is carried out by highly trained specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions. This is most commonly a consultant gastroenterologist, a doctor who specialises in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines and bowel.

Some colonoscopies may also be performed by consultant colorectal surgeons, particularly where bowel symptoms form part of a wider colorectal assessment or treatment plan. Both specialists are experienced in endoscopic procedures and perform colonoscopies using advanced techniques designed to support accurate diagnosis, patient comfort, and safety throughout your care.

How much does a colonoscopy cost at Chaucer Hospital?

The cost of your colonoscopy will depend on the details of the procedure and whether it’s part of a wider treatment plan. You’ll be told the exact price before booking, along with a breakdown of costs. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.

Why might you need a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy may be recommended to investigate a variety of bowel and digestive symptoms. The procedure allows your consultant to closely examine the lining of the large bowel and identify possible causes of your symptoms.

Common reasons for referral include:

• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• Ongoing changes in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating or digestive discomfort
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease
• Follow-up after abnormal scans or test results

A colonoscopy may also form part of ongoing surveillance for bowel conditions or follow-up care after previous treatment. Your consultant will explain why the investigation has been recommended and how it may help support diagnosis and treatment planning.

How do you prepare for a colonoscopy?

Preparing correctly for your colonoscopy is essential because the bowel must be fully clear to allow accurate examination of the bowel lining.

Before your appointment at Chaucer Hospital, you will receive detailed instructions explaining how to prepare in the days before your procedure. Preparation usually involves following a temporary low-fibre or clear-fluid diet and taking bowel preparation medication to empty the bowel completely.

Your preparation instructions may include:

• Avoiding certain foods before the procedure
• Following a low-fibre or clear-fluid diet
• Taking bowel preparation medication at specific times
• Adjusting certain medications if advised by your consultant
• Arranging for someone to take you home if sedation is used

Following these instructions carefully helps improve visibility during the examination and reduces the likelihood of the procedure needing to be repeated.

If you have any concerns before your appointment, the team at Chaucer Hospital will be available to support and advise you throughout the preparation process.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, a thin, flexible camera tube called a colonoscope is gently passed into the rectum and through the large bowel. The camera sends detailed images to a monitor, allowing your consultant to examine the bowel lining carefully in real time.

Sedation or pain relief medication is usually offered to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Air or carbon dioxide is introduced into the bowel to improve visibility and allow a clearer view of the colon lining.

If polyps or abnormal areas are identified, they can often be removed or biopsied during the same procedure for further testing.

A colonoscopy usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, although this may vary depending on your individual circumstances and whether additional treatment is required.

What happens after a colonoscopy?

Following your colonoscopy, you will spend time recovering while any sedation gradually wears off. Most patients are able to return home on the same day, although somebody will need to accompany you home if sedation has been used.

You may experience mild bloating, cramping, or abdominal discomfort afterwards due to the air introduced during the examination. These symptoms are usually temporary and settle quickly.

Your consultant will often discuss any initial findings before you leave the hospital and explain when biopsy or laboratory results will be available if samples have been taken.

You will also receive written aftercare guidance covering eating and drinking, recovery after sedation, activity levels, and when to seek medical advice if necessary.

How long does it take to recover from a colonoscopy?

Recovery after a colonoscopy is usually quick and straightforward. Most people feel able to return to their normal daily activities within 24 hours.

If sedation has been used, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol, or making important decisions for the remainder of the day. Your care team will provide personalised recovery advice based on your procedure and overall health.

Why choose Chaucer Hospital for your colonoscopy in Canterbury?

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:   

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs  
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end  
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included  
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.

How to book your colonoscopy in Canterbury

To book a colonoscopy at Chaucer Hospital, you will often need a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional. Whether you are a private or NHS patient, your GP can refer you to our hospital to have your colonoscopy. We will then send the results back to your GP.  

If you are already a patient at The Chaucer and you need a colonoscopy, your consultant will refer you to our endoscopy team to arrange the procedure.  

If you don’t have a referral but believe you need a colonoscopy, give us a call. We can either book your procedure directly or, if necessary, arrange a consultation with a specialist first.