top of page

Colorectal Clinics

PatientFirst’s team of colorectal experts are able to diagnose and treat a broad range of colorectal diseases and conditions.

 

They perform colorectal procedures such as rigid sigmoidoscopy; proctoscopy; haemorrhoid injections and banding using the most up to date techniques. The service can treat all patients suffering with any benign (non-cancerous) conditions including these common problems:

  • Haemorrhoidal diseases

  • PR bleeding with or without symptoms

  • Chronic Constipation

  • Rectal prolapse

  • Anal/faecal Incontinence

  • Anal pain & itching

  • Anal Fissure

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Constipation

 

What to expect

During your appointment the clinician will ask you questions about your health and condition. This conversation will include a history of the problem you have been referred for. For example: how long you have had the condition, what the symptoms are and when you it may have started.

The clinician will also ask you about your past medical history and any medication you are taking. They will also ask if there is a relevant history of bowel problems in your family.


The clinician will ask your permission to perform a physical examination. This may include:
 

  • Abdominal examination – the clinician will feel around your stomach for any tender spots or lumps.
     

  • Digital rectal examination - the clinician will look at your anus to see if there are any obvious abnormalities, he will then use a finger to feel for any lumps or sore areas in and around the anus.
     

  • Rigid sigmoidoscopy - it allows your doctor to look inside your rectum (back passage) and lower part of your bowel using a narrow, tube-like telescopic camera called a sigmoidoscope
     

  • Proctoscopy -is used to examine the anal cavity, rectum or sigmoid colon. A proctoscope is a short, straight, rigid, hollow metal tube, and usually has a small light bulb mounted at the end, allowing an unobstructed view of the interior of the rectal cavity. This procedure is normally done to inspect for haemorrhoids or rectal polyps
     

  • Injections - if the clinician feels it is clinically appropriate necessary they will inject haemorrhoids for treatment, this is a minimally invasive procedure and you may feel uncomfortable for a day.


All stages of the process will only take place with your consent. For more involved procedures you will be asked to sign a consent form.


All our consultations are held in the presence of a clinic assistant/chaperone

What happens Next?

Depending on the clinicians diagnosis there are a number of different outcomes:


Prescription: The clinician may give you a prescription for creams or medication to help with your problem.

A copy of your consultation notes will be sent to you usual GP, which will inform them of the details of your visit and your treatment/management plan. This will including any medications you may be started on.

If you are prescribed treatment/medication at and have run out, repeat prescriptions can be obtained through your GP.


Endoscopy appointment: The clinician may decide that a more comprehensive examination of your bowels is needed and refer you for one of the following procedures:

 

Flexible sigmoidoscopy - it allows your doctor to look inside your rectum (back passage) and lower part of your bowel using a narrow, flexible tube-like telescopic camera called a sigmoidoscope

Colonoscopy - is similar to, but not the same as, sigmoidoscopy—the difference being related to which parts of the colon each can examine. A colonoscopy allows an examination of the entire colon (measuring four to five feet in length).
 

Gastroscopy - is a procedure that shows the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract up to the first section of the small intestine. This investigation is through the mouth rather than rectally.
 

Hospital Procedure – the consultant may decide to refer you for a day case operation at a local hospital. This will involve an examination under anaesthetic (EUA) and treatment of your condition.

Radiology – the consultant may decide to send you for an ultrasound or CT colonography to examine the abdomen and bowels.
 

Once you have received your appointment at the hospital we request that you contact our admin team to book a follow-up appointment with us. This is to check your results and to discuss further treatment options and advice.

bottom of page