Concierge colorectal surgery · London
Diverticular resection, by a consultant colorectal surgeon.
Elective sigmoid colectomy for complicated or recurrent diverticular disease — laparoscopic or robotic where possible, with an ERAS pathway that gets you home in two to four days.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A colorectal surgeon, on your case
Not a general surgeon on a rota. A named consultant colorectal surgeon who does sigmoid resections routinely, not occasionally.
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Surgery only when it genuinely helps
Modern practice is to individualise the decision — not resect on episode count alone. If watchful waiting is safer, we say so.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no hospital, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private diverticular resection costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in our network: £14,000–£22,000, home in 2–4 days.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Theatre time | Inpatient stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy (elective) | £14,000–£22,000 | 2–4 hr theatre | 2–4 nights |
| Robotic sigmoid colectomy | £17,000–£26,000 | 3–4 hr theatre | 2–4 nights |
| Open sigmoid colectomy | £13,000–£20,000 | 2–3 hr theatre | 4–7 nights |
| Hartmann’s procedure (emergency) | Emergency — NHS | 2–3 hr theatre | 7–14 nights |
| Percutaneous abscess drainage (radiology) | £2,500–£4,500 | 45 min | Same admission |
| Consultation and imaging review | £250–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital, by the surgeon and anaesthetist, by whether the case is laparoscopic, robotic or open, and by length of stay. Fistula or emergency cases sit higher. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right surgeon, the right operation, at the right time.
Diverticular surgery is high-stakes and often over-sold. Getting the decision right — and the surgeon right — matters more than getting it done quickly.
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Not sure surgery is needed?
Modern guidance individualises the call. We arrange a colorectal opinion that will honestly say if it can wait.
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Worried about the operation?
Laparoscopic or robotic, ERAS pathway, dedicated colorectal nursing — big surgery done in a modern way.
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Complex case — fistula or abscess?
Ureteric stents pre-op, radiology drainage first if needed, and a surgeon who does these cases weekly.
The journey
From colonoscopy to recovery — what happens, in order.
One colorectal team from first opinion to review — imaging, MDT, prehab, surgery and ERAS.
Phase 1 · Before surgery
Imaging, MDT, prehab
Phase 2 · Admission
Theatre and ERAS ward
Phase 3 · After
Discharge and review
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Episodes, imaging so far, current symptoms, and how much it is affecting your life.
- 02
Before
Colonoscopy and CT to stage it
Interval colonoscopy to exclude other pathology, and CT to map the affected segment, any abscess, stricture or fistula.
- 03
Before
MDT and shared decision
Colorectal surgeon reviews the case — often with radiology input — and you agree together whether to operate and when.
- 04
Before
Prehab and preparation
Two to four weeks of prehab where possible: fitness, nutrition, iron if anaemic, stopping smoking, blood thinner planning.
- 05
Admission
Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy
Under GA in a proper theatre — usually laparoscopic or robotic. The diseased segment is removed and the bowel rejoined.
- 06
Admission
ERAS recovery on the ward
Enhanced recovery pathway: early drinking and eating, out of bed the same day, catheter out early, pain control without heavy opioids.
- 07
After
Discharge and review
Home in two to four days for most. Wound and bowel-function review at two weeks, histology and long-term plan by six.
Typical end-to-end: 6–10 weeks from opinion to surgery. Full recovery: 8–12 weeks.
When it helps
When diverticular resection is the right step.
The clinical situations that lead to elective resection — and the one red flag that means an emergency.
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Recurrent uncomplicated diverticulitis
Three or more episodes that keep disrupting work and life — the modern decision is individualised, not automatic.
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Diverticular abscess (Hinchey Ib/II)
A localised collection — often drained by radiology first, then elective resection once the inflammation settles.
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Diverticular stricture
Scarring narrows the sigmoid enough to cause obstructive symptoms — surgery is the definitive treatment.
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Colovesical fistula
A connection between colon and bladder causing pneumaturia, faecaluria or recurrent UTIs — needs elective resection.
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Colovaginal or coloenteric fistula
Fistula into the vagina or small bowel — again, elective resection with careful pre-op planning.
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Chronic diverticular colitis
Persistent segmental inflammation and bleeding not settling with medical treatment — resection may be indicated.
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Failed conservative management
Ongoing pain, altered bowel habit and poor quality of life between episodes despite optimal medical care.
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Red flag: perforation with peritonitis
Sudden severe abdominal pain, fever, rigid abdomen — Hinchey III/IV is a surgical emergency, not a clinic booking.
Procedure options
One operation is not the only option.
What each option on the table actually involves — elective, emergency, and the drainage that sometimes comes first.
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Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy
Keyhole removal of the diseased sigmoid with primary stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis. The standard elective option.
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Robotic sigmoid colectomy
Similar to laparoscopic but with robotic assistance — useful for obesity, difficult pelvic anatomy or fistula surgery.
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Open sigmoid colectomy
A midline incision. Reserved for hostile abdomens, dense adhesions or when keyhole is not safe.
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Extended left hemicolectomy
If inflammation extends beyond the sigmoid, more colon is removed to ensure the whole diseased segment is out.
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Hartmann’s procedure
Diseased segment removed, end colostomy, rectal stump closed. The traditional emergency operation for perforation.
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Resection with primary anastomosis ± ileostomy
In selected emergency cases, resection with rejoining and a temporary diverting ileostomy — avoids a permanent stoma.
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Percutaneous abscess drainage first
A radiology-guided drain into a Hinchey Ib/II abscess — controls sepsis, allows elective one-stage surgery weeks later.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether surgery is needed at all, and which operation fits — no obligation.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of colorectal surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant colorectal surgeons 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 colorectal surgeon in our network.
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Consultant colorectal surgeons, high-volume in laparoscopic and robotic resection
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Radiology on-site for CT staging and percutaneous abscess drainage
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ERAS pathway with dedicated colorectal nursing and stoma support
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Anaesthetists experienced in enhanced recovery for major abdominal surgery
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Sigmoid colectomy is major surgery. Modern pathways make it much safer and faster to recover from, but the risks are real and worth understanding before consent.
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Anastomotic leak (2–4%)
The commonest serious complication — the join between the two ends of bowel leaks. Detected early with rising CRP, pain and imaging.
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Ileus and slow bowel recovery
The bowel is sluggish for a few days after surgery. ERAS pathways with early mobilisation and chewing gum help it wake up.
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Wound infection
More common with open surgery and in obesity or diabetes — usually managed with dressings and occasionally antibiotics.
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Incisional hernia
A weakness through the scar over months to years — more common after open surgery, less after keyhole.
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Cardiac and DVT/PE risk
Major surgery carries a cardiac risk assessed pre-op, and a clot risk covered by injections and stockings for the first weeks.
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Iatrogenic ureteric injury
Rare but serious — a ureteric stent placed by urology before surgery in complex cases makes the ureter easier to identify and protect.
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Sexual dysfunction after pelvic dissection
Nerves near the rectum can be bruised in deep pelvic surgery — usually temporary, but worth discussing before you consent.
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Chronic pain and adhesive obstruction
A small number of patients get persistent abdominal pain, or bowel obstruction from adhesions months to years later.
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Red flags after discharge
New fever, spreading pain, tachycardia, absent bowel activity or a swollen leg — call the ward or A&E the same day.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever approach was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note and histology before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and operation chosen
Why the surgery was done — recurrent diverticulitis, fistula, stricture — and which operation was agreed with you.
- 02 Technique
Approach, resection and anastomosis
Whether laparoscopic, robotic or open; the segment removed; how the join was made (stapled or hand-sewn); any stoma.
- 03 Findings
Intra-operative findings and histology
What was found — adhesions, inflammation, fistula tract — and what the pathologist reports on the removed segment.
- 04 Impression
Recovery, follow-up, red flags
Read this first: expected recovery, when to eat and move, red flags to watch for, and when to be reviewed.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Elective diverticular resection is usually covered by major UK insurers when clinically indicated. Pre-authorisation with imaging and surgical opinion is needed — we confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about diverticular resection.
Quick answers on when surgery is really needed, what the operation involves, stomas, cost and recovery.
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When is surgery actually needed for diverticular disease?
Elective surgery is considered for recurrent diverticulitis with real quality-of-life impact, complications like abscess, stricture or fistula, and chronic diverticular colitis. The old rule of automatic surgery after three episodes is out — modern practice individualises the decision. Emergency surgery is needed for perforation with generalised peritonitis.
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What operation will I have?
For elective cases, the standard is laparoscopic (or robotic) sigmoid colectomy — keyhole removal of the diseased segment and rejoining the bowel with a stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis. Open surgery is reserved for difficult anatomy. In emergencies, Hartmann’s procedure or resection with anastomosis and a diverting ileostomy are the options.
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How long will I be in hospital?
On an ERAS pathway after elective laparoscopic surgery, most patients go home in two to four days. Open surgery or emergency cases take longer — four to seven nights, sometimes more.
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What are the main risks?
Anastomotic leak (2–4%) is the most serious. Others include ileus, wound infection, incisional hernia, cardiac event, DVT or PE, iatrogenic ureteric injury, sexual dysfunction after deep pelvic dissection, chronic pain, and recurrence if the diseased segment is not fully resected.
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Will I need a stoma?
Usually no. Elective sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease is normally done with a primary anastomosis and no stoma. A temporary ileostomy may be used in selected emergency cases. Hartmann’s procedure leaves an end colostomy — sometimes reversed later.
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How much does private diverticular resection cost in London?
Roughly £14,000–£22,000 for elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, £17,000–£26,000 for robotic, and £13,000–£20,000 for open surgery. Emergency surgery is best done via NHS. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Can diverticulitis come back after surgery?
Recurrence in the remaining bowel is uncommon if the whole diseased segment — including the top of the rectum where the sigmoid meets it — is removed. Incomplete resections have a higher recurrence rate, which is why surgeon experience matters.
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What is a colovesical fistula, and how is it treated?
It is an abnormal connection between the sigmoid colon and the bladder, causing air or faeces in the urine and recurrent UTIs. Treatment is elective resection of the diseased sigmoid with closure of the bladder defect — usually laparoscopic or robotic, done by a colorectal surgeon with urology input.
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How long is the recovery at home?
Most people are back to light activity in two to three weeks, back to work at four to six, and to full exercise by eight to twelve. Heavy lifting waits six weeks to protect the wound. Bowel habit takes three to six months to fully settle.
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When should I go to A&E rather than call the clinic?
Sudden severe abdominal pain with fever, a rigid abdomen, vomiting with no bowel activity, or heavy rectal bleeding are all reasons for same-day A&E. After surgery, add fever, swollen calf, or worsening pain to that list.
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