Concierge GI imaging · London
MR pneumocolon, radiation-free MRI colonography for large-bowel evaluation.
MR pneumocolon uses MRI with rectal gas insufflation to image the large bowel without ionising radiation — a modern alternative to CT colonography for younger patients and those needing repeat imaging.
Why patients choose us
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The right hands
We route you to a consultant GI radiologist experienced in MR colonography — the reporter decides the answer.
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Often answers same-day
Findings can frequently be discussed the same day, with the written report to follow.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Key facts
The six things to know about MR pneumocolon.
A clinically reviewed summary — the essential facts before you decide whether MR pneumocolon is the right test for you.
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Definition
MRI colonography with rectal air or CO₂ insufflation — a radiation-free look at the large bowel.
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No ionising radiation
MRI uses magnetic fields, not X-rays — safer for younger patients and repeat imaging.
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Full bowel prep required
Low-residue diet then laxative preparation, similar to colonoscopy or CT colonography.
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Rectal catheter for gas
A small rectal tube insufflates air or CO₂ to distend the colon during the scan.
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Detects polyps ≥ 6 mm and colorectal cancer
Sensitivity for clinically relevant lesions is comparable to CT colonography.
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Complements colonoscopy
A useful option where sedation is avoided, colonoscopy is incomplete, or radiation must be spared.
Indicative pricing
What a private MR pneumocolon 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 standard MR pneumocolon in our network: £950–£1,400, with the report typically within 48 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard MR pneumocolon | £950–£1,400 | 45 min | 48 h |
| MR pneumocolon with contrast | £1,100–£1,600 | 45 min | 48 h |
| MR pneumocolon + GI consultation | £1,300–£1,900 | 90 min | Same visit |
| Surveillance MR pneumocolon (post-polypectomy) | £950–£1,400 | 45 min | 48 h |
| Full bowel work-up (MR + bloods + FIT) | £1,300–£1,900 | Half-day | Same-week |
| Urgent same-week MR pneumocolon | £1,200–£1,700 | Half-day | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, whether IV contrast is used, and whether a same-visit GI consultation is added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The pathway
From referral to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
- 01
Before
Referral and consultation
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, bowel history, prior imaging or endoscopy, referral or insurer if you have them.
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Before
Bowel prep and faecal tagging
A 24–48 hour low-residue diet, oral laxative, and iodinated or barium tagging to mark residual stool on the scan.
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On the day
Attend for scan
No fasting required on the day beyond the prep instructions. Wear something loose; you’ll change into a gown.
- 04
On the day
Rectal tube for gas
A small, soft catheter is placed in the rectum and the colon is gently insufflated with air or CO₂ to distend the lumen.
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On the day
MRI acquisition prone and supine
20–30 minutes in the MRI scanner, imaged in two positions to move gas and fluid around the bowel for full coverage.
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After
Radiologist review
A consultant GI radiologist reviews prone and supine datasets, tags, and reference imaging.
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After
Structured plan
A written report with a clear next step — reassurance, colonoscopy, MDT referral, or surveillance interval.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same week.
What it shows
When an MR pneumocolon is the right test.
MR pneumocolon answers a specific question — is there a polyp, mass or wall change in the large bowel, and what does that mean for you.
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Colonic polyps
Detects adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps ≥ 6 mm across all colonic segments.
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Colorectal cancer
Characterises luminal masses, wall thickening and stricturing lesions.
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Diverticular disease
Maps diverticulosis and any complications such as strictures or inflammatory change.
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Extra-colonic findings
Includes solid organs, mesentery and pelvis — a rounded abdominal look, not just the bowel.
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Bowel wall assessment
Wall thickness, oedema and enhancement — helpful in inflammatory bowel disease.
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Post-op anastomosis
Evaluates surgical joins after colonic resection for recurrence or stricture.
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Small bowel signal
Provides some assessment of adjacent small bowel loops on the same study.
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Red flag: mass on MR — 2WW colorectal pathway
A suspicious mass triggers a two-week-wait colorectal referral for urgent MDT review.
After the scan
What happens next depends on what we find.
Every possible next step from a private MR pneumocolon — from reassurance to MDT-led colorectal cancer care.
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Reassurance if normal
A negative MR pneumocolon supports a return to routine screening intervals in most cases.
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Colonoscopy for confirmed polyps
Endoscopic assessment and biopsy of any lesion identified on MR.
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Polypectomy
Endoscopic removal of polyps ≥ 6 mm, with histology to guide surveillance.
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Colorectal MDT for cancer
Multidisciplinary staging, surgical and oncology planning if malignancy is confirmed.
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Two-week wait pathway
Rapid NHS referral where a mass or high-risk feature is seen — private care does not replace this.
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Repeat surveillance imaging
Interval MR pneumocolon after polypectomy or in high-risk surveillance groups.
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Multi-disciplinary team review
Shared decision-making between radiology, gastroenterology, surgery and oncology.
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Structured follow-up
A written plan with intervals, red flags and the clinician responsible for the next step.
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.
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Consultant GI radiologists with MR colonography experience
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Standardised bowel prep and faecal-tagging protocols
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Prone and supine acquisitions on modern 1.5T or 3T scanners
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Onward colorectal MDT or two-week-wait pathway if significant disease is found
Red flags
When MR pneumocolon isn’t the right first step.
Situations where a private scan slot is not the right move — either because A&E is needed now, or because endoscopy is the better test.
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Colorectal cancer
A mass or high-risk lesion on MR triggers urgent 2WW colorectal referral and MDT.
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Complex polyp
Large, flat or scarred polyps need endoscopic assessment and often specialist resection.
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Colonic perforation post-prep
Severe abdominal pain after prep or insufflation is an emergency — go to A&E.
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Post-radiotherapy stricture
Tight radiation-induced narrowing may need dilatation or surgical review.
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Familial polyposis
Known FAP or MAP patients need endoscopic surveillance, not MR alone.
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Lynch syndrome
Mismatch-repair syndromes require colonoscopy-based surveillance intervals.
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Chronic inflammatory bowel disease flare
An active flare changes the imaging question — MR enterography may be more useful.
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Concurrent iron deficiency anaemia
Unexplained iron deficiency needs full luminal work-up — endoscopy is often required.
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Post-op anastomotic leak
Fever, pain or sepsis after bowel surgery is an emergency — go to A&E.
Reading your report
An MR pneumocolon report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and history
Your details, the reason for the scan, and the bowel history that frames interpretation.
- 02 Technique
Prep, insufflation and sequences
Bowel prep quality, tagging agent, insufflation type, and MRI sequences acquired prone and supine.
- 03 Findings
Colon segment by segment
Caecum through rectum described in turn, with any polyps, masses or wall changes measured and located.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, polyp with size and segment, mass with next-step pathway — read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about MR pneumocolon.
Quick answers on prep, contrast, comfort, comparison with CT colonography, and when to see a doctor urgently.
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What does an MR pneumocolon show?
MR pneumocolon uses MRI with rectal air or CO₂ insufflation to image the large bowel. It detects polyps ≥ 6 mm, colorectal cancer, diverticular disease and inflammatory change, and it gives a rounded view of adjacent organs — all without ionising radiation.
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How is MR pneumocolon different from CT colonography?
Both use bowel prep and gas insufflation. CT colonography uses X-rays; MR pneumocolon uses magnetic fields, so there is no radiation dose. MR is often preferred for younger patients, in pregnancy, and where repeat imaging is expected.
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What preparation do I need?
A 24–48 hour low-residue diet, oral laxative bowel prep the day before, and faecal tagging with an iodinated or barium agent. Your clinic sends detailed written instructions in advance.
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Is the rectal tube uncomfortable?
The catheter is soft and small. Insufflation causes a feeling of fullness or mild cramping that settles within minutes of the scan finishing. It is well tolerated without sedation.
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Do I need contrast?
Intravenous gadolinium contrast is often given for a full study, particularly where inflammatory bowel disease, cancer staging, or extra-colonic assessment is important. Your radiologist will confirm on the day.
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When should I see a doctor urgently instead?
Rectal bleeding with weight loss, a change in bowel habit lasting more than six weeks, unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia, or severe abdominal pain need same-day medical review — not a private scan slot.
Sources
What this page draws on.
- Royal College of Radiologists — Standards for MR colonography.
- European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) — CT and MR colonography consensus.
- NICE. Colorectal cancer (NG151).
- British Society of Gastroenterology — Colonoscopic surveillance guidance.
Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board (). Last reviewed 2026-07-30. Next review 2027-07-30.
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In practice, in London
Booking mr pneumocolon privately in London — what actually happens
With mr pneumocolon, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Waiting lists on the NHS for mr pneumocolon vary widely by borough and by how the GP letter reads. Privately in London, we can normally offer a slot inside the same week, sometimes within 48 hours if there’s a cancellation. The difference isn’t clinical quality — the consultants are frequently the same faces you’d see on the NHS — it’s the calendar.
Once you’re in the private system for mr pneumocolon, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different — one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For mr pneumocolon specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
The value of going through a concierge for mr pneumocolon isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.
Nearby in the library