Treatments, options and pricing
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Initial Consultation £240
During your Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) initial consultation, the healthcare provider will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and concerns, and may perform a physical examination, allowing them to better understand your condition and determine the appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options.
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Follow up Appointment £175
In a Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) follow-up consultation, we review the results of any diagnostic tests, assess your progress since the initial consultation, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring that you receive the most effective and personalized care.
Common Q&A about Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Lower GI surgery refers to surgical procedures involving the lower portion of the digestive system, including the small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. These surgeries may be performed to treat conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or bowel obstructions.
Common conditions that may necessitate lower GI surgery include colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, polyps, bowel obstructions, hemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse.
There are various types of lower GI surgeries, including:
- Colectomy (removal of part or all of the colon)
- Proctectomy (removal of part or all of the rectum)
- Hemorrhoidectomy (removal of hemorrhoids)
- Bowel resection (removal of part of the intestines)
- Stoma creation (such as colostomy or ileostomy)
Risks can vary depending on the specific procedure and patient’s health, but common risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to nearby organs, leakage at surgical sites, and complications related to anesthesia. Long-term risks may include bowel dysfunction or scarring.
Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery, with laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgeries generally having shorter recovery periods compared to open surgeries. Patients might stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days, and full recovery can take 4 to 8 weeks.
Lower GI surgery can be performed either as open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Minimally invasive options often result in less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars, but may not be suitable for all conditions.
Before the surgery, patients will typically undergo preoperative assessments, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and bowel preparation to clean the intestines. It’s important to discuss medications with the doctor, as some may need to be stopped prior to surgery.
After surgery, patients are often started on a clear liquid diet and gradually progress to soft foods as bowel function returns. It’s important to avoid high-fiber and greasy foods initially, and to follow a specific diet plan as recommended by the doctor to promote healing.
In some cases, a stoma (such as a colostomy or ileostomy) may be required, where part of the bowel is diverted to an opening in the abdomen for waste to be collected in a bag. Whether a stoma is temporary or permanent depends on the specific surgery and condition.
Lower GI surgery can be highly successful in treating conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and IBD, especially when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or biologic therapies. Success rates and outcomes depend on factors like the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the type of surgery performed.
