If you are considering a private colonoscopy near me , it usually follows one of two situations: either you have a symptom that has not settled, or you have had tests that have raised a question that deserves a clear answer.
I am Dr Arjun Prakash, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist. At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre in central Milton Keynes, I assess patients with bowel symptoms and arrange colonoscopy where it is clinically appropriate. We also offer virtual consultations for patients across the UK and abroad, particularly for second opinions and review of existing results.
This page sets out when colonoscopy is typically recommended, what it can detect, and how I approach the decision-making.
What is colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a camera examination of the large bowel (colon). It allows direct inspection of the bowel lining and, where needed, biopsies can be taken. Polyps can often be removed during the same procedure.
In practical terms, colonoscopy is used to investigate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent change in bowel habit, diarrhoea, unexplained abdominal symptoms, or iron-deficiency anaemia. It is also used for surveillance in patients with previous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or a relevant family history.
When is a colonoscopy recommended?
A colonoscopy is most commonly considered when symptoms are persistent or when there are features that justify excluding significant bowel disease.
Rectal bleeding
Bleeding is common and often benign, but the pattern matters. A colonoscopy may be recommended when bleeding is recurrent, unexplained, mixed with stool, or associated with other symptoms such as bowel habit change, weight loss or anaemia.
Change in bowel habit
A change in bowel habit becomes more relevant when it is sustained and represents a clear change from your baseline. This can include looser stools, increased frequency, new urgency, new constipation, or an alternating pattern that persists.
Persistent diarrhoea
Ongoing diarrhoea can be due to a range of causes. Colonoscopy can be important to assess for inflammatory bowel disease, and to take biopsies to check for conditions such as microscopic colitis, which may not be visible to the eye.
Low iron or iron-deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency needs an explanation. Depending on age, symptoms and other risk factors, colonoscopy is often part of the work-up, alongside assessment of the upper gastrointestinal tract where appropriate.
Relevant family history or previous findings
If you have a strong family history of bowel cancer, a history of polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, colonoscopy may be recommended as part of assessment or surveillance.
Rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit and low iron
These three scenarios account for a large proportion of colonoscopy referrals and private self-referrals.
If you have persistent rectal bleeding, a sustained change in bowel habit, or low iron, the aim is not to alarm you. It is to assess properly and avoid months of uncertainty. In many cases we find a benign and treatable cause. In others, a private colonoscopy near me provides reassurance based on a properly completed examination rather than assumptions.
What a colonoscopy can detect
A colonoscopy can diagnose or help exclude polyps (often removable during the same procedure), diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), microscopic colitis (diagnosed on biopsies even when the bowel looks normal), and causes of rectal bleeding including haemorrhoids and vascular lesions. In a minority of cases it detects bowel cancer.
For many patients, the value is having a clear answer and a clear plan, whether the result is normal or abnormal.
How I decide whether you need a colonoscopy
I do not recommend colonoscopy simply because symptoms are unpleasant. The question is whether the test is likely to answer an important clinical question and change management.
My approach is structured: a careful history; review of what has already been done (blood tests, stool tests, imaging, prior endoscopy, biopsy reports and clinic letters); and a targeted plan. This often prevents repetition and ensures the investigation pathway is proportionate.
Bowel preparation: how to get a high-quality test
The quality of a colonoscopy depends heavily on preparation. If the bowel is not clean, small lesions and polyps can be missed and the procedure may need to be repeated.
You will be given detailed instructions on diet and bowel preparation, and we will advise on medication adjustments where relevant.
A private colonoscopy near me ensures that good preparation is the difference between a test being completed and a test being completed properly.
Sedation and comfort options
Most people worry about comfort. It is a reasonable concern.
There are different approaches, ranging from minimal sedation through to conscious sedation and analgesia. The appropriate option depends on your medical history, anxiety level, prior experiences and what we anticipate may be required during the procedure.
A private colonoscopy near me aim for a calm, controlled procedure with clear communication, and a safe recovery afterwards.
Second opinions and review of previous results
A common situation is having investigations already done but still feeling uncertain about the diagnosis or what should happen next. A private colonoscopy near me and a second opinion is often the quickest way to make sense of the overall picture.
At Harmony, second opinions focus on a full review of existing results (bloods, scans, endoscopy and biopsies), whether the conclusions match the evidence, what if anything is missing, and a clear written plan for next steps.
Second opinions can be virtual or face to face, including for patients elsewhere in the UK or abroad.
Private Colonoscopy near me : Book a consultation
If you have rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, persistent diarrhoea, low iron, unexplained abdominal symptoms, or you would like a second opinion on whether a private colonoscopy near me is appropriate, you can request an appointment via:
Appointments are available face to face at Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre (central Milton Keynes) or virtually where appropriate. My aim is to give you a clear explanation, a sensible investigation plan, and an agreed next step.
Book a consultation or screening today: Click Here.
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