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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