Concierge gastroenterology · London
Colon polypectomy, by a high-volume endoscopist.
Endoscopic removal of colonic polyps during colonoscopy — cold snare, hot snare, EMR or ESD, matched to the polyp on the day. Histology, tattooing, and a clear BSG/NICE surveillance interval, all handled.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A high-volume endoscopist, not a trainee
A named consultant gastroenterologist who does polypectomy every list — with the technique matched to the polyp, not the operator.
- 02
The right technique for the polyp
Cold snare for small ones, EMR for sessile lesions, ESD or surgical referral for the difficult flat ones. Chosen on the day, on merit.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the endoscopist recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private colon polypectomy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner endoscopy units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Colonoscopy with cold snare polypectomy in our network: £1,900–£2,900, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic colonoscopy | £1,600–£2,400 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Colonoscopy with cold snare polypectomy | £1,900–£2,900 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Colonoscopy with hot snare polypectomy | £2,200–£3,300 | 45–75 min | Same visit |
| Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) | £2,600–£4,200 | 60–90 min | Same visit |
| Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) | £4,500–£8,500 | 90–180 min | Same visit |
| Histology (per specimen set) | £180–£420 | Off-site lab | 7–14 days |
| Consultation only | £220–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by endoscopist, by the technique needed (cold snare, EMR, ESD) and by the number of polyps and specimens sent to histology. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right endoscopist, the right technique, complete resection first time.
Polyp detection and complete resection depend on the operator. Low-volume endoscopists miss lesions, leave adenoma tissue behind, and default to piecemeal when en-bloc was possible. We match you to a high-volume specialist for the polyp you have.
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Poor bowel prep hiding lesions?
Split-dose prep with clear instructions, and we book the list for the time of day that suits the prep, not the clinic.
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Large or difficult flat lesion?
Referred to a named EMR or ESD specialist — not attempted piecemeal on a general list.
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Confused by your histology?
We translate the report into plain English and set the next colonoscopy interval per BSG/NICE.
The journey
From enquiry to surveillance — what happens, in order.
Colonoscopy, polypectomy, histology and the next surveillance interval — coordinated by one team.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
A few hours at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Histology and surveillance
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, family history, previous colonoscopies, any polyps found before.
- 02
Before
We come back with a plan
Within one working day: the right endoscopist, the right list, an indicative price, and a clear bowel-prep plan.
- 03
Before
Bowel prep and preparation
Split-dose bowel prep the day before. Blood-thinning medication reviewed with the team — never stopped without advice.
- 04
On the day
Colonoscopy and polypectomy
Sedation or Entonox in a proper endoscopy suite. Polyps are removed in the same session — cold snare, hot snare, or EMR as appropriate.
- 05
On the day
Retrieval, tattoo and photographs
Every polyp is retrieved for histology. Larger sites are tattooed with ink so they can be found again if surveillance or surgery is needed.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
A short recovery, written aftercare, and home within a few hours. With sedation you will need someone to collect you.
- 07
After
Histology and surveillance interval
Histology in 7–14 days. We translate the report and set the BSG/NICE surveillance interval — 3, 5 or 10 years, or sooner if warranted.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to procedure. Histology back in 7–14 days.
When it helps
When colon polypectomy is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the red flags that mean surgical referral rather than a routine endoscopic removal.
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Polyp found on screening colonoscopy
A polyp seen during bowel-cancer screening or a diagnostic colonoscopy — most are removed in the same session.
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Sessile or flat lesion 10–20 mm
A broad-based polyp that needs endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) rather than a simple snare.
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Large flat lesion — laterally spreading
A carpet-like lesion that may need ESD, piecemeal EMR, or referral for a specialist list.
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Serrated polyps in the right colon
Pale, subtle lesions that are easy to miss and behave differently — technique and surveillance both change.
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Multiple adenomas
Several adenomas at one colonoscopy — count and histology drive the next surveillance interval.
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Family history / prior polyps
A first-degree relative with colon cancer, or your own history of adenomas — polypectomy is preventive, not just reactive.
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Change in bowel habit or bleeding
New rectal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, or a persistent change in bowel habit warrants colonoscopy with polypectomy on the day if needed.
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Red flag: obstructing or malignant polyp
A large obstructing polyp, or one with features of cancer, may need surgical referral rather than endoscopic removal alone.
Technique options
Cold snare, hot snare, EMR, ESD — matched to the polyp.
What each option involves, and which fits which polyp size and morphology.
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Cold snare polypectomy
A small wire loop shaves off diminutive polyps under 10 mm without diathermy. Fast, safe, and the standard of care for small lesions.
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Hot snare polypectomy
A snare with diathermy for pedunculated polyps larger than 10 mm — the current seals the stalk vessel as it cuts.
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Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
A cushion of saline is injected under a sessile lesion (10–20 mm) to lift it, then the polyp is snared off in one piece or piecemeal.
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Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
A specialist en-bloc technique for larger flat lesions. Longer procedure, higher complication rate, but preserves margins for histology.
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Piecemeal vs en-bloc resection
En-bloc removes the polyp whole; piecemeal takes it in fragments. En-bloc is preferred for accurate histology when it is technically achievable.
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Tattooing and marking
India-ink tattoo placed next to larger resections so the site can be found again for surveillance colonoscopy or surgery.
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Retrieval and histology
Every polyp is retrieved and sent for histology — adenoma, serrated lesion, dysplasia grade, and completeness of resection.
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Surgical referral
For polyps with invasive cancer, poor endoscopic access, or incomplete resection, referral for a segmental colectomy is the right call.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of endoscopists, we picked them.
Consultant gastroenterologists across central, north, west and south London — chosen for polypectomy volume and complication rates, not clinic marketing.
Selection criteria
How we choose every endoscopist in our network.
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Consultant gastroenterologists with high polypectomy volumes
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JAG-accredited endoscopy units with modern high-definition scopes
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EMR and ESD offered by named specialists, not generalists
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Histology reported by a GI-specialist pathologist within 7–14 days
Safety and complications
What to watch for after polypectomy — honestly.
Colon polypectomy is safe in experienced hands, but the complications you need to know about — delayed bleeding, perforation, post-polypectomy syndrome, and incomplete resection — are worth planning for.
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Post-polypectomy bleeding
Bleeding can be immediate or delayed by 7–14 days as the diathermy scab separates. Most stops on its own; some need a repeat endoscopy to clip a vessel.
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Perforation is rare (0.1–1%)
A tear in the bowel wall is uncommon but serious. Small perforations can be clipped endoscopically; larger ones need surgery.
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Post-polypectomy syndrome
Localised burn from diathermy causing pain, fever and tenderness without perforation — usually settles with antibiotics and rest over a few days.
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Sedation and Entonox both offered
Most patients choose light sedation with fentanyl and midazolam. Entonox or unsedated colonoscopy are options if you would rather drive home.
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No heavy exercise or flying for 2 weeks
After EMR or larger polypectomies, avoid heavy lifting, long-haul flights and strenuous exercise for two weeks to reduce delayed-bleed risk.
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Blood thinners need a plan
Aspirin is usually continued. Clopidogrel, warfarin and DOACs need a bridging plan agreed with your cardiologist — never stop them on your own.
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Incomplete resection is a real risk
Piecemeal EMR leaves a residual-adenoma rate of 10–20%. A check colonoscopy at 3–6 months confirms the site is clear.
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Malignant polyp findings
If histology shows invasive cancer, a multidisciplinary discussion decides between endoscopic follow-up and surgical resection based on depth and margins.
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Red flags after the procedure
Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, or shoulder-tip pain in the days after polypectomy are not normal — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your endoscopy report
Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever technique was used, the endoscopy and histology reports keep to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Endoscopic and histology language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the report before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication, prep quality and extent
Why the colonoscopy was done, how good the bowel prep was (Boston score), and how far the scope reached — ideally the caecum with terminal ileum intubation.
- 02 Findings
Polyps found — size, site, Paris class
Each polyp described by location (caecum to rectum), size in millimetres, and Paris morphology (Is pedunculated, IIa flat elevated, IIc depressed).
- 03 Technique
Resection technique used
Cold snare, hot snare, EMR or ESD; en-bloc or piecemeal; whether a tattoo, clip or endoloop was placed; how retrieval went.
- 04 Impression
Histology and surveillance interval
Read this first: what the polyps turned out to be, whether resection was complete, and the next colonoscopy interval — 3, 5 or 10 years, per BSG/NICE.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for colonoscopy and polypectomy varies by insurer — usually funded when medically indicated, self-pay for elective screening. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about colon polypectomy.
Quick answers on technique, cost, complications, and the surveillance interval you actually need.
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What is a colon polypectomy?
The endoscopic removal of a polyp — a small growth on the lining of the colon — during a colonoscopy. Most polyps are benign, but adenomas and serrated lesions can turn into cancer over years, which is why they are removed.
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Cold snare or hot snare — what is the difference?
Cold snare uses a wire loop to shave off small polyps under 10 mm without electricity. Hot snare adds diathermy to seal the stalk vessel of larger pedunculated polyps as it cuts. Cold snare is safer for small lesions and is the current standard.
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What is EMR and when is it used?
Endoscopic mucosal resection lifts a sessile or flat polyp on a saline cushion, then snares it off. It is used for lesions 10–20 mm that are too broad for a straight snare but do not need full submucosal dissection.
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What is ESD and how is it different from EMR?
Endoscopic submucosal dissection removes larger flat lesions en-bloc by dissecting through the submucosal layer. It preserves margins for histology, takes longer, and carries a higher perforation rate — reserved for specialist lists.
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How much does a private colonoscopy with polypectomy cost in London?
Roughly £1,900–£2,900 with cold snare polypectomy, £2,200–£3,300 with hot snare, £2,600–£4,200 for EMR, and £4,500–£8,500 for ESD. Histology adds £180–£420. We confirm firm figures within one working day.
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When can I expect delayed bleeding?
Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding typically happens between day 7 and day 14, as the diathermy scab separates from the resection site. Most stops on its own; a small fraction need a repeat endoscopy to place a clip.
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How likely is perforation?
For routine snare polypectomy, perforation is between 0.1 and 1%. It is higher for EMR of large sessile polyps and higher still for ESD. Small perforations detected during the procedure can often be clipped endoscopically.
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When is my next colonoscopy after polypectomy?
It depends on the polyp count, size, and histology, per BSG and NICE surveillance guidance — typically 3 years for high-risk findings (advanced adenomas, ≥5 adenomas, serrated polyps with dysplasia), 5–10 years for low-risk, and no surveillance for small hyperplastic polyps.
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What if the polyp turns out to be cancer?
If histology shows invasive cancer, a multidisciplinary team reviews the resection depth, margins, and lymphovascular invasion. Some malignant polyps are cured by complete endoscopic removal; others need a segmental colectomy.
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When should I call urgently after a polypectomy?
Heavy rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, shoulder-tip pain, or a swollen tender belly in the days after polypectomy are all reasons to seek same-day medical help — clinic in hours, A&E out of hours.
Related tests and treatments
Looking for something else?
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Colonoscopy
The diagnostic test where polypectomy happens.
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CT colonoscopy
CT-based alternative for those unable to have colonoscopy.
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Colon cancer surgery
When endoscopic removal is not enough.
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All tests
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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Acid Reflux
Related condition guide.
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Crohns Disease
Related condition guide.
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Gastroscopy
Related diagnostic test.
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In practice, in London
Getting colon polypectomy sorted in London, without the guesswork
For colon polypectomy, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. The NHS route for colon polypectomy is thorough, but the queue is real. Most patients we speak with have been told to expect anywhere from a handful of weeks to several months, depending on their local trust and how the referral is graded. Going private in London usually collapses that window to a matter of days — often the same week if the diary allows. It isn’t about jumping a queue so much as buying time back while you still have the flexibility to plan around it.
Once you’re in the private system for colon polypectomy, 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 colon polypectomy in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
Fit matters more than people expect. For colon polypectomy, the right consultant depends on what you actually need — a second opinion, a definitive diagnosis, a bridge into treatment, or reassurance that nothing’s being missed. We match on that, not on who has the biggest brochure. If a test isn’t the right next step, we’ll say so before you book anything.