Private Colonoscopy | Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

A nurse prepares equipment in the Endocrinology department

A nurse talks with a patient in their private room

Expert Care With Clear Insights

A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy, a procedure using a long, thin tube with a camera to examine the inside of your body.

In this case, it provides a detailed view of your bowels, making it a valuable tool for investigating symptoms such as bleeding, persistent constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss.

Colonoscopy plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

In an area of the body where proper function is essential, having colonoscopy expertise ensures timely diagnosis and treatment.

Advanced colonoscopy tools not only detect issues but also enable minimally invasive procedures, such as removing lesions or obstructions, helping to protect your long-term health.

Who Might Need a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies can help with the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions, including:

Coeliac disease
Gastritis
Polyps and cysts
Ulcers
Liver disease
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Bowel cancer
Diverticulitis

Private Colonoscopy Fees

A colonoscopy at our Banbury hospital starts from £1,600. Before the procedure, a consultation with one of our specialists is required for a referral.

You can self-refer for a consultation with any of our consultants, with fees starting from £200. This includes a comprehensive assessment beyond just the referral.

To book a consultation, please complete the form below or contact us via the email link or phone number provided.

How to pay

You can pay for treatment through medical insurance, or directly.

Insurance

For those with an insurance policy that covers colonoscopy (many do).

Self-pay

For people choosing to fund diagnosis and treatment themselves.

Combined Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

If you are having problems throughout your digestive system, you may be advised to have a combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Both procedures are undertaken at the same time, helping your consultant to acquire a full understanding of your system.

Find out more about gastroscopy

Private Colonoscopy Without a GP Referral

At our private hospital, consultants can refer you for a colonoscopy, so no referral is needed from your own doctor, or GP.

What to Expect From The Procedure

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you simply come to the hospital for the procedure and can leave afterwards.

Preparing For Your Colonoscopy

Your healthcare team will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Following these guidelines is essential, as improper preparation may result in your procedure being rescheduled.

Typically, two days before the procedure, you’ll need to follow a specific diet, usually consisting of plain foods like chicken, rice, or pasta. The day before, you will be required to take laxatives to fully clear your digestive system. Staying at home afterward is strongly recommended.
During Your Colonoscopy

To ensure comfort, you may be offered pain relief, a sedative, or gas and air. A thin, flexible tube with a camera will be gently inserted into your rectum and guided through your bowel. While the procedure is not usually painful, you may feel some bloating or mild discomfort.

The camera provides real-time images, allowing for immediate assessment. If polyps are detected, they may be removed during the procedure, and tissue samples may be collected for further analysis.
After Your Colonoscopy

You may experience bloating or mild stomach cramps following the procedure, but these typically pass quickly, allowing you to go home soon after. If you received sedation, recovery may take longer, and you will need someone to drive you home.

A consultant radiologist will review your results and discuss them with your consultant, who will contact you promptly with your diagnosis and any necessary next steps.