Immediate access to private services
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Read more about what a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.
Affordable, accessible, accredited private sigmoidoscopy
Vista Health offers JAG-accredited flexible sigmoidoscopy services . by Specialist Consultant Endoscopists with fast reporting turnaround.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the inside of your back passage, and the lower parts of your bowel. It uses a specialised type of endoscope called a sigmoidoscope, a flexible tube with a camera at one end, which captures images of your intestine.
It’s typically used to investigate constipation, diarrhoea and other symptoms affecting the back passage, and can diagnose conditions like inflammation, bowel cancer and polyps.
Why choose Vista Health for your Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
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Affordable
Consultations £200. See the below table for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer flexible sigmoidoscopy services at our Romford centre, providing fast access and convenient appointments.
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Self -refer for a consultation
You can book a consultation online, or by phone. A diagnostic referral is included in the price of your consultation.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
An endoscope is a slim, flexible tube with a camera at one end. During flexible sigmoidoscopy, the endoscope is inserted into your back passage to examine and capture images of the inside of your bowel and intestine. It can also be used for biopsies, whey tiny pieces of tissue are taken to help make an accurate diagnosis.
Private sigmoidoscopy with Vista Health begins with a convenient, affordable consultation with one of our consultants. This will allow you to access flexible sigmoidoscopy quickly, if that’s how you decide to proceed.
What symptoms would prompt a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended by your doctor if you have a problem with the lower part of your large intestine. Reasons for choosing the procedure include:
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Lower bowel symptoms, such as bleeding from your rectum, diarrhea, or constipation
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To check on existing bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
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To assess bowel cancers before surgery
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To manage volvulus, a medical condition in which the intestine twists and becomes obstructed
Some symptoms may suggest medical conditions such as colon cancer and rectal cancer.
What can a flexible sigmoidoscopy detect?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to assess and confirm the presence any abnormalities. It can diagnose conditions such as
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inflammation
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polyps
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bowel cancer
Where a problem is caused by a polyp - a small growth - the endoscopist may be able to remove it during the procedure.
What's the difference between sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy?
Sigmoidoscopy differs from colonoscopy in that it generally takes less time, does not generally require anaesthetic, and presents a lower risk of tearing.
What happens during a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Our team will talk you through the procedure, and answer any questions you might have. Your consultant will be with you the whole time, and we’ll stop the test if you feel any discomfort. You’ll need to change into a gown, and you’ll lie on your side on a bed.
Photographs of the bowel lining are taken during a sigmoidoscopy. If your consultant identifies any anomalies, tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken and sent to a lab to be analysed by a pathologist. If polyps are detected in your bowel lining, they may be removed.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam takes about 15 minutes - a little longer if we need to take biopsies, or if we remove a polyp
How much does private flexible sigmoidoscopy cost?
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Consultation
An outpatient consultation which lasts between 15-30 minutes typically to discuss the patient's symptoms and create a management plan. Referral included in the price if required.
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£200
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Flexible-Sigmoidoscopy
Includes biopsy/polyp and histology, medical report and results of biopsies taken.
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£999
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Face to face follow-up consultation on the day
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FREE
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How do I book a Flexible-Sigmoidoscopy procedure with Vista Health?
With a referral
If you have a referral from your GP stating the procedure required, please send the referral to our patient care team at booking@vista-health.co.uk.
What if I don't have a referral?
We offer virtual consultations with a highly qualified Endoscopist, who can provide a diagnostic referral if required. We can support you by discussing your symptoms and recommend the best possible plan for your condition.
To book a consultation with one of our Endoscopists, please start by completing our online form.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
I don’t have any symptoms. Can I still book a procedure?
Yes. Diagnostic healthcare can provide reassurance that all is well, and help you plan a healthy future lifestyle.
Can I discuss my results?
We offer a consultation service with GMC registered GPs to discuss your scan results.
*20% consultation discount will be applied when booked together with your scan.
How much will diagnostic healthcare cost?
Our diagnostic services start from as little as £75.
What if I cannot refer myself?
Self-referral is available in most circumstances. However, in some instances, we may need further clinical information. We will contact you if this is the case.
If needed, we offer a virtual GP consultation service where we can provide you with a referral and a follow-up consultation to discuss results.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
When will I get my results?
We aim to deliver all results within three working days of your appointment. If you have not heard from us within this timeframe, please contact us.
How long will my appointment take?
It depends on the scan or screening you choose, but most appointments take less than 90 minutes. We ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How do I book an appointment?
For most services you can book online or by phone, and you don’t need a GP referral. Choose your service, your preferred location and a convenient date here.