Introducing the new and improved Living Care website
18/7/2024
A flexible sigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to look inside your rectum and lower part of your bowel. He or she will do this using a narrow, flexible, tube-like video camera called a sigmoidoscope.
If your consultant finds polyps during your flexible sigmoidoscopy, 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 flexible sigmoidoscopy is very accurate at detecting polyps and cancer in certain areas of your bowel. There is evidence to show that using it for screening and polyp removal reduces the number of people who develop bowel cancer.
For Sigmoidoscopy 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 are driven by the belief that quality brings its rewards. We see outstanding quality within our services, we have strong outcomes for our patient care and our ratings on patient satisfaction are high. Our average for the last three months is 98% of individuals would highly likely or likely recommend us as a provider of choice for their friends and family
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.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps...
Give us a call or use our contact form below to get in touch with us.
Within 24 hours by somebody from our team.
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.
We understand that immediate access to healthcare is sometimes essential. With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists. Within 24 hours, you will be offered a consultation date to see a medical professional that is convenient for you. Our expert team can then give you an assessment and treatment within 1 week of your consultation.
Your consultation and any tests, scans or investigations will be charged separately, however all of these costs will be quoted to you before anything commences and you are under no obligation to continue your treatment with us unless you are happy to do so.
To find a full overview of our services and prices, please visit our Prices page.
If you are paying for your procedure or treatment with medical insurance, you will need to liaise closely with the insurance provider throughout the process.
Before attending your first appointment, you should contact your insurance company to check that that your condition is covered for all stages of treatments.
You will need to visit your GP and ask them to refer you to The LivingCare Group at Thorpe Park Clinic for a private procedure. Your GP will write a letter of referral and then either you or your GP can contact us to arrange your first appointment.
You may need a flexible sigmoidoscopy to find out what is causing symptoms such as:
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, it may be possible to investigate your bowel condition using a different test. The alternatives are described below.
Colonoscopy. This is similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy but looks at the whole of your large bowel.
You may need to have more than one test to get a diagnosis. Your consultant will explain your options to you.
Before we go ahead with your Sigmoidoscopy, 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 Sigmoidoscopy 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:
Stop taking any medication containing iron at least three days before the test. Eat only a light evening meal on the day before the test and a light breakfast and lunch on the day of the test. It is essential that you administer the enema you have received two hours before leaving home for your appointment. This will ensure your lower bowel is empty and the test can be carried out effectively. Please see the patient information leaflet on enemas for more information.
You will be asked to change into a clinical gown before the test.
Anesthetic is not necessary for a sigmoidoscopy. The test can be a little uncomfortable and patients often feel bloated, but these symptoms are not severe and quickly clear after the test.
An experienced nurse will look after you throughout the test. She will ensure you are lying in the correct position and will also help the doctor. A long, smooth, flexible tube (approximately the thickness of a finger) will be inserted into the anus and advanced into the bowel. When indicated, biopsies (small tissue samples) are taken using tiny forceps.
If the cause of symptoms is found to be haemorrhoids (piles) the doctor may offer to treat these by injection. This is not a painful procedure, though can cause mild discomfort. A sigmoidoscopy generally takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
The doctor will give you a brief summary of the results before you leave. A full report will be sent to your GP or consultant, together with the results of any biopsies.
Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there to help and support you every step of the way.
Related Articles
27/2/2024
To help us deal with your enquiry more quickly, please make sure you provide the following information where possible:
- The name of the clinic you are enquiring about
- If you are enquiring about NHS or private services
- Any other information that you think will help our team direct your enquiry to the right person
Nothing other than excellent customer service.
Customer
23
June 2024
Rated 4.7/5 from 2,244 Reviews