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A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor—usually a consultant gastroenterologist—to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon and rectum).
A colonoscopy is used to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, and it can also be used as a screening tool for bowel cancer. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal polyps, and bowel cancer.
This page should tell you everything you need to know about a colonoscopy, from what to expect from the procedure, to which conditions it can help to diagnose. If you would like to learn more, arrange a consultation with one of our specialists. You can book online or give us a call.
To ensure clear visibility during the examination, your bowel must be empty. You’ll be given detailed instructions beforehand, which usually include:
You may also be advised to stop certain medications temporarily.
The procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes.
At Circle Health Group, our team of experienced consultant gastroenterologists is highly skilled in performing colonoscopies and interpreting the findings with accuracy and care. We understand that persistent digestive symptoms can affect your quality of life, and our goal is to provide clear answers and effective treatment options.
This page explains everything you need to know about a colonoscopy - from how to prepare for the procedure, to what happens during and after it, and the conditions it can help diagnose.
To speak to a specialist or book an appointment, you can contact us online or call a member of our team today.
Our fixed-price packages typically cover:
The following services are not included in the fixed-price package:
To make private treatment more accessible, we offer flexible monthly payment plans ranging from 10 months to 5 years:
These plans allow you to spread the cost over a period that suits your financial needs.
If you have private medical insurance, most insurers will cover the cost of a colonoscopy when it is deemed medically necessary. Please check with your provider for coverage details, including any excess or co-payments.
*This is a guide price for self-funding patients. Your final price will be confirmed in writing after your consultation and once any required diagnostic tests have been completed.
These symptoms may be caused by a range of bowel conditions, and a colonoscopy helps your doctor see the inside of your colon to make an accurate diagnosis.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract but often affects the end of the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms can include abdominal cramping, persistent diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation may be patchy and can lead to complications such as strictures or fistulas.
Ulcerative colitis is another form of IBD, but it specifically affects the lining of the colon and rectum. It causes continuous areas of inflammation, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency to pass stool, and fatigue. The condition often flares up in episodes, with periods of remission in between.
This condition involves the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the colon.
Polyps are small growths that develop in the lining of the colon or rectum. While most are benign (non-cancerous), some types—especially adenomatous polyps—can develop into colorectal cancer over time if left untreated. Polyps are commonly removed during a colonoscopy for biopsy and cancer prevention.
Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. It may develop from pre-cancerous polyps and can cause symptoms such as:
Early detection through colonoscopy significantly improves treatment outcomes.
At Circle Health Group, you won’t face long waiting times. We can typically arrange your consultation within 48 hours of your enquiry, and you’ll be able to choose an appointment time that fits your schedule.
Your consultant will begin by discussing your overall health and taking a detailed medical history. They’ll ask about:
A gentle physical examination of your abdomen may be carried out to assess for signs of tenderness, bloating, or other abnormalities.
If no obvious cause is found during the examination, your consultant will explain how a colonoscopy works, what it can help diagnose, and whether it’s the most suitable test for your symptoms.
This consultation is a key part of your care journey. It ensures that any investigation—such as a colonoscopy—is clinically appropriate and tailored to your individual needs. Your consultant will also be happy to answer any questions you have and to address any concerns you may feel about the procedure itself.
Following your consultation, our team will clearly explain the next steps, provide preparation instructions if a colonoscopy is advised, and book your procedure at a time that works for you.
A combined procedure allows your specialist to examine both the upper and lower sections of your digestive system during a single session. This is performed using two different flexible instruments:
This approach is particularly useful when your symptoms are not clearly localised or when a more comprehensive evaluation is needed. For example, it may be recommended if you have symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia, or chronic digestive issues that could originate from multiple areas of the GI tract.
Your consultant will discuss with you why a combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy is appropriate in your case and will ensure you understand the benefits and what to expect from the procedure.
Any diagnostic tests required before the procedure will incur an additional fee. If you have a follow-up consultation to review the results of these tests, a separate consultation fee may also apply.
Patient pathway | Initial consultation | Diagnostic investigations | Main treatment | Post discharge care | Guide price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hospital fees | N/A | Not included | £2,806 | Included | £2,806 |
Consultants fees (from) | £200 | N/A | Included | Included | £200 |
Total guide price | £3,006 |
We are committed to transparent pricing and flexible payment options. Our team will ensure you are fully informed about all associated costs before proceeding with treatment.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of your large bowel (colon and rectum). It involves a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has a light and camera on the end. This allows your consultant to view the lining of your bowel on a monitor and check for abnormalities such as inflammation, bleeding, polyps, or signs of bowel cancer.
The procedure typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. However, you should allow additional time for preparation and recovery, especially if you are receiving sedation.
A colonoscopy is usually not painful, but you may experience some mild discomfort or cramping as the scope moves through the bowel. You will be offered a sedative or pain relief to help you relax and minimise any discomfort during the procedure.
Endoscopy is a general term for procedures that use a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your body via a natural opening.
Both procedures examine parts of the large intestine:
While serious complications are rare, it’s important to understand the risks. If you have any concerns, your consultant gastroenterologist will be happy to discuss them with you, including the likelihood of complications and how they are managed. Their goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and reassured throughout your care.
If you’d like to learn more about this procedure or discuss your options, you can book your appointment online today or speak directly with a member of our team.
Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital, Mr Andrew Renwick, discusses all things colonoscopy.