Concierge endoscopy · London
Private flexible sigmoidoscopy in London, performed by a consultant gastroenterologist.
A shorter, gentler bowel scope that examines the rectum, sigmoid and lower descending colon - often the right test for rectal bleeding, IBD monitoring and polyp screening. Prep is far lighter than a full colonoscopy.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Right test, not the biggest test
For rectal bleeding or IBD follow-up, a sigmoidoscopy is often the right first step. We will say so instead of defaulting to a full colonoscopy.
- 02
Consultant-led, JAG-accredited
Every scope is performed by a consultant gastroenterologist in a JAG-accredited unit - not a trainee.
- 03
Honest about the prep
Enemas, not a full bowel prep. We explain exactly what the morning looks like and how quickly you can get back to normal.
Indicative pricing
What a private sigmoidoscopy 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 diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy in our network: £600-£1,100, with findings on the day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy | £600–£1,100 | 10–20 min | 1–3 days |
| Sigmoidoscopy with biopsies | £700–£1,300 | 15–25 min | 3–7 days |
| Sigmoidoscopy + polypectomy | £900–£1,700 | 20–40 min | 5–7 days |
| Rigid sigmoidoscopy (in-clinic) | £250–£500 | 5–10 min | Same day |
| Unsedated flexible sigmoidoscopy | £500–£900 | 10–15 min | 1–3 days |
| Follow-up / surveillance sigmoidoscopy | £600–£1,100 | 15–25 min | 1–7 days |
Prices vary by unit, whether sedation is used, and whether biopsies or polyps are taken and sent for analysis. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Not everyone with rectal bleeding needs a full colonoscopy.
Many people are pushed straight to a colonoscopy when a sigmoidoscopy - lighter prep, no sedation, back to work the same day - would answer the question. We help you pick the right test, not the biggest one.
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Fresh rectal bleeding?
Most causes sit in the rectum or sigmoid. A flexi-sig usually finds them without the full prep.
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Following UC or proctitis?
A shorter scope is often all your gastroenterologist needs to grade activity and adjust treatment.
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Considering a colonoscopy?
Sometimes it is the right call. We tell you honestly when a sigmoidoscopy will not do the job.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results - including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~90 minutes at the unit
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Bleeding, IBD history, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: sigmoidoscopy or a full colonoscopy, which unit, indicative price. We say plainly when a bigger test is needed.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We send the enema pack, explain timing, and review any blood-thinning or diabetes medication.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and consent
You change, meet your consultant, and decide on sedation together. Many patients choose to go without.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
10–25 minutes examining the rectum, sigmoid and lower descending colon. Biopsies or small polyp removal happen in the same visit.
- 06
On the day
Recovery, then home
Half an hour of observation. If unsedated, you can drive yourself home and often return to work.
- 07
After
Findings and next steps
Your consultant explains what they saw on the day. Any biopsy results follow in 3–7 days, and we make sure they are explained.
Typical end-to-end: 1 week. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
The indications that lead to a sigmoidoscopy.
A sigmoidoscopy answers most questions about the rectum, sigmoid and lower descending colon - and can treat as it goes.
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Rectal bleeding investigation
The clearest first look at fresh red bleeding - reaching the sigmoid, where most sources sit.
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Polyp detection & removal
Distal polyps can be found and removed during the same visit, before they become a problem.
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IBD assessment (UC)
Ulcerative colitis begins in the rectum. A sigmoidoscopy is often enough to grade activity and take biopsies.
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Haemorrhoids & anorectal disease
Confirms haemorrhoids, fissures and proctitis when symptoms are unclear.
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Microscopic colitis biopsies
Random mucosal biopsies to investigate chronic watery diarrhoea with normal-looking bowel.
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Rectal cancer investigation
A direct view of the rectum and sigmoid where a majority of bowel cancers arise.
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Targeted screening
A reasonable screening option for people who want a lighter test than a full colonoscopy.
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Red flags - heavier concerns
Heavy bleeding, weight loss or anaemia usually mean a full colonoscopy instead - we will tell you.
Procedure types
Not all sigmoidoscopies are the same.
What each variation on your referral is actually for.
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Diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy
A slim flexible camera examines the rectum, sigmoid and lower descending colon.
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With biopsy
Small tissue samples are taken from the lining to investigate inflammation or diarrhoea.
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With polypectomy
Distal polyps are removed and sent for analysis during the same procedure.
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Rigid sigmoidoscopy (in-clinic)
A short, rigid scope used in the outpatient clinic - mainly for the rectum, no sedation needed.
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Unsedated flexible sig
A quicker, drive-yourself option - mildly uncomfortable but back to work the same day.
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IBD assessment sig
Targeted at ulcerative colitis and proctitis, with graded biopsies of the rectum and sigmoid.
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Post-treatment surveillance
Planned follow-up after polyp removal, radiotherapy or IBD flare.
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Combined with capsule or colonoscopy
Sometimes paired with a capsule study or upgraded to a full colonoscopy if findings warrant.
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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CQC-registered private endoscopy units
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Performed by consultant gastroenterologists in JAG-accredited units
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Nurse-led sedation and monitoring by experienced endoscopy teams
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Biopsies read by consultant histopathologists in UKAS-accredited labs
Safety and eligibility
Very safe - with a much lighter run-up.
A sigmoidoscopy is one of the safer scopes there is. There are still practical things to plan - sedation, blood-thinners and the enema routine on the morning.
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Simpler prep than colonoscopy
Usually one or two enemas on the morning of the test - no full bowel prep, no clear-fluids day.
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Sedation is optional
Many patients have it without sedation. If you would prefer light conscious sedation, we arrange it.
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Unsedated is faster
Unsedated flexi-sig is quicker and lets you drive home, but is slightly uncomfortable for a few minutes.
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No fasting from midnight
A light diet the day before and enemas on the morning are usually all that is required.
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Blood thinners may need pausing
Warfarin, DOACs or clopidogrel may need adjusting if polyps are likely to be removed. Never stop without advice - we coordinate this.
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Iron and PPIs affect visibility
Iron tablets can stain the mucosa. Tell us what you are taking so timings can be adjusted.
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Rare risks
Bleeding and perforation are very uncommon in a diagnostic flexi-sig - well under 1 in 1,000.
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Pregnancy
Sigmoidoscopy is usually deferred in pregnancy unless essential. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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Driving and work
If you have sedation, no driving or work for 24 hours. Unsedated patients are usually back to normal within an hour.
Reading your report
A sigmoidoscopy report is short. And structured.
However far the scope reached, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be told the headline on the day - the biopsy detail takes a few days more.
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, what was examined, and the symptoms behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the procedure was done
Rigid or flexible, how far the camera reached, whether sedation was used, and where biopsies were taken.
- 03 Findings
Rectum, sigmoid and distal colon
Each segment described in turn - the rectum first, then the sigmoid, then the distal descending colon.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The headline and any biopsy pathway. Read this before the technical detail; histology results follow separately.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover a sigmoidoscopy when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about sigmoidoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, prep, sedation, results and when it isn’t the right test.
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What does a sigmoidoscopy show that a colonoscopy doesn’t?
Neither test shows something the other misses in the lower bowel - the difference is reach. A sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum, sigmoid and lower descending colon; a colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel. For fresh rectal bleeding or IBD follow-up, a sigmoidoscopy is often the right first step.
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How much does a private sigmoidoscopy cost in London?
A diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy is typically £600–£1,100 in our network. Adding biopsies or polyp removal costs more. Rigid in-clinic sigmoidoscopy is cheaper. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
We can arrange a private consultation first if you don’t have one - that way the right test is chosen and any medication reviewed before you commit to a scope.
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Sedation or unsedated - which should I choose?
Most people find an unsedated flexi-sig manageable and prefer being able to drive themselves home. If you are anxious or expect polyp removal, light conscious sedation is straightforward to arrange.
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How is the prep different from a full colonoscopy?
Much lighter. There is no full bowel-prep drink and no clear-fluids day. Usually you eat lightly the day before and use one or two enemas on the morning of the test.
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How long is the appointment?
The scope itself takes 10–25 minutes. Expect to be at the unit for around 90 minutes including check-in, consent and short recovery. Unsedated appointments are quicker.
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When will I get the biopsy results?
Typically 3–7 days. Your consultant will explain what they saw on the day, and we make sure the histology report is chased and explained.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most major UK policies cover a sigmoidoscopy when clinically indicated. We confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
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Is a sigmoidoscopy safe in pregnancy?
It is usually deferred unless the indication is urgent. If a test is essential during pregnancy, it is discussed carefully with your obstetric team beforehand.
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When should I call 999 instead?
Heavy fresh rectal bleeding with dizziness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, or passing large amounts of blood - do not wait for an appointment. Call 999 or attend A&E.
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In practice, in London
Booking sigmoidoscopy privately in London - what actually happens
With sigmoidoscopy, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it - not whether the scan is available. On the NHS, sigmoidoscopy typically sits behind a triage step and a wait that can stretch from a few weeks into months. In London’s private sector, the same appointment often lands within days. That speed matters when symptoms are disrupting work, sleep, or a plan you’d already committed to - and it’s the single most common reason people call us in the first place.
A private sigmoidoscopy pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For sigmoidoscopy specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Honesty about expectations is part of the job. A private sigmoidoscopy appointment in London won’t change the underlying medicine - the guidelines, the consultants, and the equipment are largely the same as on the NHS. What it changes is speed, continuity, and the amount of time you get to actually talk through the findings. Everyone we route to is GMC-registered and works within CQC-regulated facilities.