Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Proctoscopy / Rigid Sigmoidoscopy

A proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows a consultant to examine the rectum and anus.

Overview

Bookings: bookings.digestivehealth@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2009

What is a proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy?

A proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy is a procedure performed by a general or colorectal surgeon to examine the rectum and anus. The rectum is the end of the large intestine (colon), and the anus is the opening of the rectum.

A proctoscope is a hollow plastic tube, with a tiny light at the end. The rigid sigmoidoscope is a longer hollow tube that allows the consultant to make a detailed examination of the rectum, during this procedure they may introduce gas into the rectum to improve visibility.

At OneWelbeck our world-class consultants carry out proctoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy as an outpatient procedure. Using the latest medical technology we ensure this is a minimally invasive procedure so that you can return home the same day.


Why is a proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy performed?

A proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy is done to:

  • Detect disease in the rectum or anus.
  • Find the source of anal bleeding.
  • Find the cause of diarrhoea or constipation.
  • Remove or monitor the development of existing polyps or growths.
  • Screen for colon cancer or monitor rectal cancer that has already been treated.

Preparing for a proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy

At OneWelbeck, you’ll have a consultation with a colorectal surgeon before having the procedure. Your consultant will take you through what’s involved, how to prepare for it, and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also ask you to disclose any medications you’re currently taking, as well as any medical conditions you have.


What does a proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy involve?

A rigid sigmoidoscopy isn’t usually an uncomfortable procedure so does not require anaesthetic or sedation.

You’ll be lying on your side with your knees bent throughout the procedure. The proctoscope will be slowly and gently inserted into the rectum.

This can cause a feeling of having a full bowel and can cause some mild abdominal cramping. Taking slow, deep breaths through your mouth can help relax your muscles during the procedure.

The procedure will take only a few minutes to complete.


Recovering from a proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy

At OneWelbeck this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and you can go home or return to work immediately after having the procedure.

You may notice some minor rectal bleeding and irritation but know that this is completely normal.


Proctoscopy / rigid sigmoidoscopy risks

There’s very little risk associated with rigid sigmoidoscopy and complications are very rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced consultant.

Contact your specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • A high temperature or chills
  • Rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup
  • Rectal bleeding that continues for more than a few days after the procedure

Overview

Preparation

Consultation prior to procedure

Procedure time

Less than 5 minutes

Risks

Minor rectal bleeding, irritation

Self-pay price

£145

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Payment Plan

Set up a monthly payment plan to spread the cost of your treatment. Find out more about our payment plans.

Proctoscopy / Rigid Sigmoidoscopy Specialists

Mr Chris Nicolay

Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Hernia Repair, Haemorrhoids, Anal Fistula, Anal fissure, Anal Cancer, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Bowel Disease, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, General Surgery.

Bookings are avaliable

Mr James Kinross

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Colorectal Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, General Surgery, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Colorectal Surgery, Abdominal Resection, Bowel Diversion Surgery, Trans-anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery, Gut Microbiome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anal Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticular Disease, Appendicectomy, Complex Hernia Surgery, Anal Fistula, Faecal Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Appendicitis, Bowel Obstruction, Robotic Surgery.

Bookings are avaliable

Dr Adam Haycock

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Specialist expertise: Therapeutic Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, Advanced Polypectomy, Polypectomy, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Barrett’s Oesophagus, Acid Reflux, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Stricture Dilatation.

Mr Gregory Thomas

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Colorectal Surgery, Hernia Repair, Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, General Surgery, Anal Fistula, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Anal fissure, Diverticular Disease, Haemorrhoids, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Pilonidal Disease, Faecal Incontinence, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Prolapse, Rectal Pain.

Mr Alex Leo

Consultant General Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Anal Fistula, Haemorrhoids, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Minimally Invasive Surgery, Laser Surgery, Inguinal Hernia, Complex Hernia Surgery, Complex Abdominal Wall Hernias, Faecal Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Anal fissure, Constipation, Sacral Neuromodulation, Obstructive Defecation Syndrome, Pilonidal Sinus.

Mr Jonathan Wilson

Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, General Surgery, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disease, Colonoscopy, Groin Hernias, Hernia Repair, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Anal Fistula, Anal fissure, Colon Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Gallstones, Diverticular Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Changes in Bowel Habit, Rectal Bleeding, Haemorrhoids, Rectal Prolapse, Pilonidal Disease.

Mr Oliver Warren

Consultant Colorectal and Hernia Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Groin Hernias, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Minimally Invasive Surgery, General Surgery, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, HALO Radiofrequency Ablation, Rafaelo Procedure, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Pilonidal Disease, Haemorrhoids, Anal Fistula, Anal fissure, Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Mr Janindra Warusavitarne

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Intestinal Failure, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Anal Fistula, Haemorrhoids, Colorectal Cancer, General Surgery, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Minimally Invasive Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Ileoanal Pouch Surgery, Complex Hernia Surgery, Complex Abdominal Wall Hernias, Crohn's Disease, Diverticular Disease, Pelvic Floor Diseases.

Ms Sarah Mills

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Trans-anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), Abdominal Wall Hernias, Groin Hernias, General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Anal Fistula, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Colonoscopy, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Minimally Invasive Surgery, Diverticular Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Haemorrhoids, Anal fissure, Rectal Prolapse, Faecal Incontinence, Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Professor Paris Tekkis

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, General Surgery, Anal Fistula, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colorectal Surgery, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), HIV-related Anal Pathology, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Hernia Surgery, Colorectal Cancer, Surgery Centre, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Rectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Anal fissure, Diverticular Disease, Haemorrhoids, Small Bowel Cancer, Recurrent Pelvic Cancer.

Professor Sanjay Purkayastha

Consultant General Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Surgical Management of Type 2 Diabetes, Anti-reflux Surgery, Hernia Surgery, General Surgery, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Robotic Surgery, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Bariatric Surgery, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomies, Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Appendicitis, Gallstones, Pancreatitis, Bowel Obstruction, Heartburn, Obesity, Diverticular Disease, Achalasia, Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Disease, Gastroparesis.