Diagnostics
Private Colonoscopy & Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in Chester
COLORECTAL & BOWEL
Diagnostics
Private Colonoscopy & Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Mr Peter Asaad can assess your symptoms and advise which investigations, if any, are appropriate. Where required, he can perform private colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, and arrange other investigations such as blood tests or scans where clinically indicated.
When are investigations recommended?
There are many reasons why you may need further investigation of your bowel.
The symptoms that have been outlined in this section do not necessarily mean that there is a serious problem. Many have benign causes, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should be properly assessed.
The investigation required will depend on your symptoms, medical history and what we are trying to establish.
Common symptoms / reasons:
- Rectal bleeding
- A persistent change in bowel habit
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- A positive FIT or other bowel cancer screening test
- A family history of bowel disease
- Suspected inflammatory bowel disease
DIAGNOSTICS
Diagnostics Procedures Overview
What to expect
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy may be recommended when the whole of the large bowel needs to be examined.
It can help identify bowel polyps, bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease and possible causes of rectal bleeding or other unexplained bowel symptoms.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
The bowel needs to be empty so that its lining can be examined properly. You will therefore be given bowel preparation to take beforehand, together with instructions about what you can eat and drink.
The preparation causes frequent loose bowel movements and clears stool from the colon. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, as poor bowel preparation can make it difficult to examine the bowel properly.
During the procedure
The colonoscope is carefully passed around the large bowel so that its lining can be examined.
You may feel some pressure, bloating or abdominal discomfort during the examination. Sedation is commonly available to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, and the options will be discussed with you beforehand.
If an abnormality is found, photographs and biopsies can be taken where appropriate. Polyps can also often be removed during the same procedure.
After your colonoscopy
You will usually spend a short period recovering afterwards, particularly if you have received sedation.
I will normally be able to explain what I have seen following the procedure. If biopsies have been taken or polyps removed, these will need to be examined in the laboratory before the final results are available.
Comparison
Colonoscopy vs Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
| Colonoscopy | Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | |
|---|---|---|
| Examines | Entire colon examined | Lower part of bowel examined |
| Time | Longer procedure | Shorter procedure |
| Preparation | Full bowel preparation | Limited preparation |
| Sedation | Usually sedation available | Often no sedation required |
| Assessment Type | Used for comprehensive assessment | Used for focused assessment |
Conditions that can be diagnosed
Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy can help identify a range of conditions, including those listed in this section.
Not every colorectal condition requires an endoscopy. Some conditions affecting the anus, such as an anal fissure, can often be diagnosed from your symptoms and a clinical examination without the need for a colonoscopy.
Common symptoms / reasons:
- Bowel polyps
- Bowel cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Diverticular disease
- Haemorrhoids
- Inflammation or other abnormalities of the bowel lining
- Possible causes of rectal bleeding
- Possible causes of a change in bowel habit
Are there any risks associated?
Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are commonly performed procedures and serious complications are uncommon. However, as with any invasive procedure, there are some risks.
Temporary bloating, wind or abdominal discomfort are common after the procedure and usually settle quickly.
The risks are not the same for every patient and can vary depending on the procedure being performed, your general health and whether biopsies or polyps need to be removed.
Before your procedure, Mr Asaad will discuss the expected benefits, possible alternatives and the risks that are relevant to you so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
Implications or limitations include:
- Bleeding, particularly if a polyp has been removed or a biopsy taken
- Perforation, where a small hole or tear develops in the wall of the bowel
- A reaction or complication related to sedation
- An incomplete examination, for example because of inadequate bowel preparation or difficulty passing the camera around the bowel
- The need for a repeat procedure or a different investigation if the bowel cannot be fully examined, the preparation is inadequate, or further assessment or treatment is required
What happens after the investigation?
Mr Peter Asaad will usually discuss the initial findings with you after the procedure.
If biopsies have been taken or polyps removed, these are sent to the laboratory for examination. Once the results are available, Mr Asaad can explain what they mean and whether anything further is required.
Depending on the findings, you may need no further investigation or treatment. Alternatively, you may require treatment for a colorectal condition, further imaging such as CT or MRI, or referral to another specialist.
If a significant condition such as bowel cancer is diagnosed, I will explain the findings and ensure that you are directed into the appropriate specialist pathway for further staging, multidisciplinary review and treatment.
About
Mr Peter Asaad
Mr Peter Asaad is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon in Chester experienced in investigating and treating a wide range of bowel symptoms and colorectal conditions.
As a practising colorectal surgeon and endoscopist, he can assess your symptoms, advise whether further investigation is required and perform colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy where appropriate.
Importantly, the investigation is considered as part of your overall clinical assessment rather than simply as an isolated test. If an abnormality is identified, Mr Asaad can explain the findings, arrange any further investigations that are required and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions patients ask about receiving diagnostics and investigative care. As new questions arise, this section will be updated to provide clear and relevant information.
Do I need a GP referral?
Not necessarily. You can arrange a private consultation directly, although your insurer may require a GP referral if you are using private medical insurance.
How should I prepare?
For a colonoscopy, you will need to take bowel preparation beforehand to empty the colon. You will receive detailed instructions about what you can eat and drink and when to take the preparation.
Preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy is sometimes more limited and may involve an enema.
Is the procedure painful?
You may experience pressure, bloating or abdominal discomfort during the procedure, but people’s experiences vary.
Sedation is commonly available for colonoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally shorter and can often be performed without intravenous sedation.
Will I receive sedation?
Sedation is commonly available for colonoscopy and the options will be discussed with you beforehand.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy can often be performed without intravenous sedation.
If you receive sedation, you will need to follow the endoscopy unit’s instructions about recovery, driving and getting home afterwards.
How long does it take?
A colonoscopy will usually take considerably less than an hour, although the exact time varies depending on your bowel anatomy, what is found and whether biopsies or polyps need to be removed.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally quicker.
You should allow additional time for admission and recovery, particularly if you are having sedation.
The MDT makes a recommendation based on your investigations, but the treatment options should then be discussed with you so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
Can biopsies be taken?
Yes. Small samples of tissue can be taken during either procedure if required and sent to the laboratory for examination.
When will I receive my results?
I can usually explain what I have seen immediately after the procedure.
If biopsies have been taken or polyps removed, the final result will take longer because these need to be examined in the laboratory.
Is it safe?
Both procedures are commonly performed and serious complications are uncommon, although no invasive procedure is completely without risk.
The individual risks and benefits will be discussed with you before you decide whether to proceed.
What happens if an abnormality is found?
This depends on what is identified. Some abnormalities, such as polyps, can often be treated during the procedure itself.
Other findings may require biopsies, further imaging, follow-up or referral to another specialist. If bowel cancer is diagnosed, you will need further staging and discussion through an appropriate specialist cancer pathway.
Payment Options
Insurance & Self Pay
Mr Asaad is recognised by major UK private health insurers. Please check with your provider for cover details or contact us for further information.
Self-paying patients are welcome. Flexible payment options may be available through the hospital, including the option to spread the cost of treatment.