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Guide price £2,945

A colonoscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of the large bowel (colon) using a flexible telescope.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a test that allows a consultant to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). We use a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon.

What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy helps identify conditions such as:

  • ulcers
  • colon polyps
  • tumours
  • areas of inflammation.

Is a colonoscopy right for me?

A colonoscopy can help to explore possible causes of:

  • abdominal pain
  • rectal bleeding
  • chronic constipation
  • chronic diarrhoea
  • other intestinal problems.

If you're over 50 your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years, or sometimes sooner, to screen for colon cancer. Even if you have no other risk factors, age can increase your risk of getting colon cancer.

If you've had polyps before, a follow-up colonoscopy can find and remove any additional polyps. This is done to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Preparing for a colonoscopy

Before a colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out (empty) your colon. If your colon lining isn't clear of solids or liquids, then the colonoscope may not have a clear view of the rectum.

2 days before your colonoscopy - eat a low fibre diet to help keep your colon clear.

The day before your colonoscopy - your doctor will ask you to drink laxative sachets to empty your bowels. You'll probably get diarrhoea a few hours after taking the first sachet, so it's best to be at home all day so that you're close to a toilet.

During a colonoscopy

If appropriate, the endoscopist may offer you a sedative or painkiller. The procedure involves placing a flexible telescope into the back passage and blowing some air into the large bowel to get a clear view.

The endoscopist will be able to look for problems such as inflammation or polyps. They will also be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make a diagnosis.

A colonoscopy usually takes 30-45 minutes.


Is the procedure painful?

You may feel the camera going in, but it shouldn't be painful. You may also experience bloating or stomach cramps, which are normal reactions. You may be given sedatives, painkillers or gas and air before your colonoscopy to help you feel more comfortable.

Recovery after a colonoscopy

If you were given a sedative, you will normally recover in about two hours. You should not drive for 24 hours and so you should arrange for somebody to take you home. You should also not drink alcohol or sign any legal documents for 24 hours.


You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will pass

You should be able to go back to work the day after the colonoscopy.

If you did not have a sedative, you can go home and do everything as normal.

Hereford Hospital

Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF

01432 355 131
Customer services 01432 262 502
Diagnostic imaging 01432 262 508
Outpatients 01432 262502

Guide price

Bowel Examination - Colonoscopy Fees
Initial consultation from £200
Treatment £2,745
Pre-assessment Included
Main treatment Included
Post-discharge care Included
Pre-assessment, Main treatment and Post-discharge care £2,745
Guide price £2,945
 What does guide price mean?

The guide price stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.  You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a Consultant.

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