Frequently asked questions

• What is a colonoscopy?

  A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of your large bowel (colon) and rectum using a thin, flexible camera. It can find inflammation, bleeding, polyps and other changes. Polyps are removed during the same procedure when it is safe to do so.

• What can a colonoscopy diagnose?

  It can identify bowel polyps, bowel cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and diverticular disease. It can also help find the cause of bleeding, a change in bowel habit or anaemia.

• Do I need a GP referral?

  No. You can book a consultation with Dr Ahmad without a GP referral. Any clinic letters will usually be shared with your GP. Procedures are not usually performed without an initial consultation, so Dr Ahmad can check a colonoscopy is right for you. Clinic appointments are usually available within 1 to 2 weeks, with evening and weekend options, and you can choose a face-to-face or remote consultation.

• How do I prepare?

  Before your procedure, the pre-assessment team will contact you to go through your medical history and medicines. They’ll explain any changes you need to make and how to take your bowel preparation. You’ll follow a low-fibre diet for two days, then take a bowel-cleansing preparation so your bowel is empty. Our bowel preparation page has the full instructions.

• Is a colonoscopy painful?

  Most people feel some pressure, bloating or cramping at times. Dr Ahmad uses modern water-assisted insertion techniques, which help improve comfort during the procedure, and sedation or pain relief is also available. Taking biopsies and removing polyps is painless. Tell the team at any time if you feel uncomfortable.

• Will I be asleep?

  This depends on the type of sedation you choose. With conscious sedation, you stay awake but feel relaxed and drowsy, and many people remember little of the procedure afterwards. With deep sedation, available at Welbeck London, an anaesthetist gives you a deeper level of sedation so you are unaware of the procedure, and they will explain the options on the day. Some people choose pain relief alone or no sedation.

• How long does it take?

  The examination usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Including arrival, preparation and recovery, plan for around half a day.

• Can I eat and drive afterwards?

  You can usually eat and drink once you are home, starting with something light. If you had sedation, an adult must take you home, and you shouldn’t drive, drink alcohol or sign important documents for 24 hours. Most people are back to normal activities the next day.

• When will I get my results?

  Dr Ahmad will explain the findings before you go home, including anything significant, and your report will be shared with your secure patient portal on the day. If samples were taken, you’ll have a clinic follow-up about two weeks after the procedure to go through the results.

• What happens if a polyp is found?

  Polyps are removed during the same procedure when it is safe to do so, and sent to the laboratory. Removing polyps is one of the main ways colonoscopy helps prevent bowel cancer. If there are multiple or very large polyps, their removal may need to be planned as a separate therapeutic procedure.

• What are the risks?

  Colonoscopy is generally very safe. Some people have bloating or mild cramps afterwards. Rare complications include bleeding, particularly after polyp removal, a tear in the bowel wall (perforation) and a reaction to sedation. Dr Ahmad will explain the risks before you consent.

• How often will I need a colonoscopy?

  It depends on what is found and on your personal and family history. Many people need no routine repeat after a normal result, while people who had polyps may be advised to return after a set interval. Dr Ahmad will give you a personal recommendation.

• How is a colonoscopy different from a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a gastroscopy?

  A colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel. A flexible sigmoidoscopy looks only at the rectum and the lower left side of the bowel, needs lighter preparation and is often done without sedation. A gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract: the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and the first part of the small bowel.

• How much does a private colonoscopy cost?

  The price depends on where you have it, the sedation you choose and whether biopsies or polyp removal are needed. You’ll receive a clear written quote before you book. If you have health insurance, check your cover with your insurer first. For a quote, call 07435 081678 or email clinic@drahmirahmad.com.

• What procedure codes will my insurer need?

  If you are using health insurance, your insurer will usually ask for a procedure code (CCSD code) before authorising your procedure. Because we won’t know until the day whether polyps need to be removed, we recommend asking your insurer to authorise both the diagnostic and the therapeutic code. If you have any questions, Dr Ahmad’s secretary can help.

  Procedure	Diagnostic code	Therapeutic code
  Colonoscopy	H2002	H2003 (small polyp removal) or H2350 (larger polyp removal)
  Gastroscopy (OGD)	G6500	G4430
  Gastroscopy and colonoscopy together	G8082	G8083
  Flexible sigmoidoscopy	H2502	H2503