Concierge capsule endoscopy · London
Private capsule endoscopy in London, read by a consultant gastroenterologist.
A pill-sized camera you swallow that takes thousands of images of the small bowel — reaching where OGD and colonoscopy cannot. Read by a consultant gastroenterologist.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Right test for the small bowel
Capsule endoscopy reaches metres of small bowel that OGD and colonoscopy cannot. We say when it is the right next step.
- 02
Consultant reads, not technician
We route to consultant gastroenterologists who read capsule studies routinely - not once a quarter.
- 03
Obstruction risk considered first
Where retention is a concern, a patency capsule is arranged first. It is a small step that avoids a very unwelcome one.
Indicative pricing
What a private capsule endoscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A small-bowel capsule study in our network: £1,800-£2,800, with a consultant report in 5-7 days.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small-bowel capsule endoscopy | £1,800–£2,800 | 8–10 hrs | 5–7 days |
| Colon capsule endoscopy | £1,600–£2,600 | 8–10 hrs | 5–7 days |
| PillCam Crohn’s protocol | £2,000–£3,000 | 8–10 hrs | 5–7 days |
| Wireless motility capsule (Bravo) | £1,200–£2,200 | 96 hrs | 7–10 days |
| Second-opinion capsule read | £600–£1,100 | Report only | 5–7 days |
| Paediatric capsule endoscopy | Quoted case by case | Varies | 7–14 days |
Prices vary by capsule type, whether a patency capsule is needed first, and the reading unit. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
OGD and colonoscopy were normal - but the bleeding hasn’t stopped.
The small bowel is the largest, least-examined part of the gut. When standard scopes come back clean and symptoms continue, capsule endoscopy is usually the next answer.
-
Both scopes were negative
Iron deficiency, ongoing bleeding, or unexplained weight loss with a clean OGD and colonoscopy - the small bowel is next.
-
Suspected small-bowel Crohn’s
Standard scopes only see the ends. A capsule sees the middle - where much of Crohn’s lives.
-
Not sure it is the right test
Sometimes an MR enterography or CT is a better first look. We will tell you which.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results - including the bit after the capsule has passed.
Phase 1 · Before your capsule
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~8-10 hours wearing the recorder
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, prior scopes, iron levels, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which capsule protocol, which reading unit, indicative price. If a repeat OGD or CT is the better first step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We explain the fasting rules, the liquid-diet day, and whether a patency capsule is needed first.
- 04
On the day
Swallow the capsule
You arrive fasted, the sensor belt is fitted, and you swallow the capsule with water. It is the size of a large vitamin.
- 05
On the day
Wear the recorder
You go about your day for 8-10 hours wearing a small recorder on a belt. Clear fluids after 2 hours, a light meal after 4.
- 06
On the day
Return the recorder
You drop the recorder back the same evening or the next morning. The capsule passes naturally in a bowel motion, usually within 24-72 hours.
- 07
After
Findings and next steps
A consultant gastroenterologist reads the study over the next few days. Report and next steps within 5-7 days, explained by us.
Typical end-to-end: 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
A capsule study answers questions no other test can - the small bowel is otherwise out of reach. These are the reasons people come to us.
-
Obscure GI bleeding
When OGD and colonoscopy are negative but bleeding continues, capsule is the next step.
-
Iron-deficiency anaemia
For unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia once upper and lower endoscopy are negative.
-
Crohn’s disease of the small bowel
Detects skip lesions, ulcers and strictures the standard scopes miss.
-
Coeliac disease follow-up
Assesses extent and complications where symptoms persist on a gluten-free diet.
-
Motility disorders
Wireless motility capsule measures gastric emptying and whole-gut transit.
-
Mid-gut lesions
Small-bowel tumours, angiodysplasia and Meckel’s that other tests cannot see.
-
When standard endoscopy is not tolerated
A well-tolerated alternative when repeat sedation is best avoided.
-
Red flag: suspected obstruction
Do NOT use capsule if obstruction is suspected. Tell us first - we screen for this.
Capsule types
Not all capsule studies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
-
Small-bowel capsule
The standard capsule study - thousands of images across the length of the small bowel.
-
Colon capsule
An alternative to colonoscopy in selected cases where colonoscopy is incomplete or declined.
-
Crohn’s protocol capsule
A dedicated PillCam protocol for suspected or established small-bowel Crohn’s.
-
Wireless motility capsule
Measures pressure, pH and transit through the whole gut - for gastroparesis and constipation workup.
-
Paediatric capsule
Small-bowel capsule in older children, sometimes placed endoscopically if swallowing is difficult.
-
Combined small-bowel + colon capsule
A single-day pan-enteric study when both territories need looking at.
-
Repeat / surveillance capsule
A repeat study to monitor known small-bowel Crohn’s, polyposis or angiodysplasia.
-
Post-bleeding follow-up
A directed re-look after an acute GI bleed episode with negative endoscopy.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
-
CQC-registered units
-
Read by consultant gastroenterologists with dedicated capsule reading suites
-
Patency capsule offered pre-test where obstruction risk exists
-
Results interpreted and reported within a week
Safety and eligibility
Very safe - but obstruction is the one thing to screen.
The single rule: never send a capsule where the bowel might be blocked. Everything else is planning.
-
Not for suspected obstruction
A capsule can lodge in a stricture. If obstruction is suspected on symptoms or imaging, capsule is contraindicated.
-
Patency capsule pre-test
A dissolvable dummy capsule can be swallowed first to confirm the bowel is patent - a small step that avoids a big problem.
-
Fasting from midnight
Nothing to eat after midnight before the study. Small sips of water are allowed until you arrive.
-
Liquid diet the day before
A clear-liquid diet the day before helps the capsule get a clean, uninterrupted view.
-
Avoid strong magnets
No MRI, no strong industrial magnets during the recording. The capsule and the sensors do not mix with them.
-
Pacemakers and implants
Modern capsules are generally safe with pacemakers and ICDs - we confirm with your cardiologist case-by-case.
-
Rare capsule retention
Retention is rare (well under 1%) but can occasionally need endoscopic retrieval or, exceptionally, surgery.
-
How you swallow it
You swallow the capsule with water - it is the size of a large vitamin. Most people find this the easy part.
-
Passing the capsule
It normally passes in a bowel motion within 24-72 hours. You do not need to retrieve it.
Reading your report
A capsule report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much of the gut was seen, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The impression is the important line - read it first.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, the clinical question, and what the capsule was asked to look for.
- 02 Technique
Capsule type and transit
Which capsule was used, transit time, whether the whole small bowel was seen, and whether retention risk was considered and mitigated.
- 03 Findings
What the reader saw
The small bowel divided into thirds (proximal, mid, distal), with any lesions, ulcers, angioectasias or bleeding described. The colon is included if applicable.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Read this first - normal, a source of bleeding, Crohn’s, coeliac features, or a motility disorder, with the next recommended step.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover capsule endoscopy when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about capsule endoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, safety, retention, pacemakers and results.
-
What does a capsule endoscopy actually show?
It gives thousands of images of the small bowel - the long section of gut between the stomach and the colon that OGD and colonoscopy cannot reach. It is the definitive test for obscure small-bowel bleeding, unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia after negative scopes, and small-bowel Crohn’s. A colon capsule or motility capsule answers different questions.
-
How is it different from an OGD or colonoscopy?
An OGD looks at the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. A colonoscopy looks at the colon. Both leave out roughly 20 feet of small bowel in the middle. Capsule endoscopy is the tool for that middle territory. It does not replace either standard scope - it complements them.
-
How much does a private capsule endoscopy cost in London?
A small-bowel capsule is typically £1,800-£2,800 in our network. Colon capsule is £1,600-£2,600, and a wireless motility capsule (Bravo) is £1,200-£2,200. A consultant second-opinion read on an existing study is £600-£1,100. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
-
Do I need a referral?
A capsule study is arranged after a short consultation with a gastroenterologist so the right protocol is chosen and obstruction risk is screened out. We can arrange that consultation quickly - no GP letter needed to get started.
-
How safe is it - what about obstruction?
It is very safe for most people, but a capsule can lodge in a narrowed segment of bowel. If you have known strictures, previous small-bowel surgery, radiation enteritis, or suspicious symptoms, we arrange a patency capsule first - a dissolvable dummy that confirms the path is clear. If obstruction is actively suspected, capsule is not used.
-
What happens if the capsule gets stuck?
Retention is rare - well under 1% in unselected cases. Most retained capsules pass with a short course of steroids or come out at a subsequent endoscopy. Very occasionally, a surgical retrieval is needed, usually at the same time as treating the underlying stricture.
-
Can I have a capsule study with a pacemaker or ICD?
Modern capsule endoscopes are generally safe alongside pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, and both can be monitored during the study. We confirm this case-by-case with your cardiologist before booking.
-
Is capsule endoscopy safe in pregnancy?
It is usually deferred in pregnancy unless essential. If it is essential - for example, ongoing obscure bleeding - it is arranged in a specialist unit with obstetric input. Always tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
-
How long until I get the results?
The recorder is returned the same evening or the next morning. A consultant gastroenterologist reads the study over the following days, and the report - with next steps - is with you inside 5-7 days.
-
When should I see a GP instead?
If you have not yet had an OGD or colonoscopy, or have not had recent blood tests, start with a GP or a gastroenterology consultation. Capsule is a specialist next step - it belongs after the standard scopes, not before them, unless there is a specific reason.
Related content
Looking for something different?
-
Endoscopy (OGD)
The upper-GI standard - the test that usually comes before capsule.
Learn more -
Colonoscopy
The lower-GI standard - the other test capsule often follows.
Learn more -
Sigmoidoscopy
A shorter look at the lower colon and rectum.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Browse the full library of tests we arrange.
Learn more