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A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look inside your bowels. He or she will do this using a narrow, flexible, tube-like video camera called a colonoscope.
If your consultant finds polyps during your colonoscopy, he or she may remove them or take a biopsy. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue. This will be sent to a laboratory for testing to determine the type of cells and if they are benign or malignant (cancerous).
A colonoscopy can help your doctor to find out the cause of symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea or a change in your bowel habits. If you have bleeding or mucus coming from your back passage, it can look for problems that could be causing this. Or it may be used to find out more if you have unexplained pain in your abdomen (tummy) or feel tired and breathless.
For Colonoscopy, a referral is required. This can come from, our gastroenterology service, our private GP or a consultant or GP you have previously seen regarding your symptoms.
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Whilst most healthcare organisations require a GP referral for a specialist service, here at LivingCare we can produce that GP referral for you through our team of Private GPs
With one phone call, one email or one message we can get you booked in for a consultation.
We do not want you waiting around feeling ill. We will let you choose when you come and see us, rather than telling you when we are free.
Our specialist consultants can provide a full pathway including some of the best technology in the world. We can provide you with support from first symptoms through to investigation and treatment.
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We'll offer you an appointment date and time to suit you.
Attend your appointment on your chosen date and time to see our highly qualified consultant.
We'll refer you for any further tests, treatments or reviews you might need, and take care of the booking processes following your appointment.
LivingCare is proud to provide services on behalf of the NHS. We offer quality healthcare provision as a regulated provider of care. Patients are able to receive selected treatments, paid for by the NHS, with a GP referral through the e-Referral System. The NHS provider network is made up of NHS and independent providers that deliver outstanding clinical care to the communities we all serve, helping to tackle NHS waiting lists.
You may need a colonoscopy to find out what is causing symptoms such as:
A colonoscopy is usually the best investigation to show the inside of your bowel. However, it isn’t appropriate for everyone. If you can’t have a colonoscopy, your doctor may suggest other tests. The main alternative is described below.
You cannot drive after your procedure, so you will need to arrange transport to and from your appointment; and unless told otherwise, you should not need to fast before your appointment.
You may need to stop certain medications, but this will be discussed with you prior to your appointment. Please wear comfortable clothes, and please try keep any valuables at home.
Before we go ahead with your Colonoscopy a referral is required. This can come from, our gastroenterology service, our private GP or a consultant or GP you have previously seen regarding your symptoms.
We try to make your Colonoscopy experience as easy and relaxed as possible. You will discuss all appropriate preparation details during your consultation, however, here is a brief explanation of what you could expect:
In order for the consultant to have a clear view of the bowel it is essential that the bowel is completely empty.
There are different oral bowel preparations used to clear the bowel, full instructions will be given to you. If these instructions are not followed your test may be unsuccessful.
You must keep taking any essential prescribed tablets. If you are diabetic or take any anticoagulants (blood thinning tablets) you must contact us on 0113 397 0981.
When you arrive at the hospital reception, your name, address and details will be checked. Next you will be seen by a Nurse who will take a brief medical history, record your blood pressure and pulse, discuss and explain the test and allow you time for you to express any worries or questions you have about the test. A consent form will then be signed if you are all happy.
You will then be asked to change into a gown and dressing gown (if you wish to bring your own dressing gown and slippers you may do so). After the examination is completed you will be transferred to the recovery room and looked after by a nurse until you have recovered. Any discomfort will soon disappear and no medication is needed.
A full report of your test will be sent to your GP. You will also receive a copy and we will discuss it with you. If there are any serious problems discovered during your colonoscopy they will be discussed with you before leaving.
Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there to help and support you every step of the way.
Colonoscopies can be carried out under sedation. Before your procedure, you will have a pre-assessment call with one of our qualified nursing team who will discuss this with you in depth.
Your procedure will be performed by a consultant – they may be a specialist in radiology, pain, or anaesthetics. The consultant works with a team including a nurse, a radiographer, and healthcare assistants for pre- and post-procedure care.
Depending on the procedure area, you will be positioned on the examination couch. For spinal procedures, you will be lying face-down; the area of your spine being treated will be exposed and cleaned. The consultant will use ultrasound or low-dose x-ray imaging, sometimes with a special dye to locate the specific site.
Local anaesthetic will be given. Depending on the procedure, other pain-relieving drugs or steroids may be injected, and you may also feel some stimulation of your nerves. The procedure can cause some pain, but this should be minimal as the consultant will use local anaesthetics and gas and air (Entonox).
Pain management procedures usually take around 20 minutes to complete.
You will be brought to the recovery area in a wheelchair by a healthcare assistant. You will need to wait in the clinic for around 30 minutes to make sure it is safe for you to leave the clinic.
You will need to eat and drink before you leave – we have a great selection of biscuits, juice, tea, and coffee. You can leave by transport once the team are happy for you to go (remember – you cannot drive after your procedure!). You will be given information for post-procedure care and a number to call if there are any issues when you get home.
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