Investigations

Anorectal physiology tests assess the function and strength of the muscles in your anal canal and rectum. These tests help diagnose conditions affecting bowel control and emptying by measuring the muscle pressure and sensation in your rectum, these tests help guide treatment plans tailored to your condition.

CT colonography (CTC), also known as a virtual colonoscopy, is a minimally invasive imaging test that examines the inside of your bowel using a specialised CT scanner. This test provides detailed 2D and 3D images of your colon and rectum, helping to diagnose conditions such as bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a commonly performed procedure to examine the lower part of your bowel. It allows your consultant to look directly at the lining of the bowel, helping to diagnose a range of conditions including unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or weight loss. 

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a safe, non-invasive test that provides detailed images of your internal organs and soft tissues using strong magnets and radio waves. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRI does not use radiation, making it a safe and highly effective way to assess bowel conditions.

A transit study is a diagnostic test designed to evaluate the movement of material through your large intestine (colon). It is particularly useful for assessing conditions like chronic constipation or symptoms of obstructed defecation, especially when standard treatments such as laxatives or stool softeners have proven ineffective.

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows your consultant to examine the lining of your small intestine. By swallowing a small, pill-sized capsule equipped with a tiny camera, images are captured as it travels through your digestive tract to help diagnose various gastrointestinal conditions without the need for traditional endoscopy.

Endoanal ultrasound is a specialised imaging test used to assess the muscles around your anus and rectum. This test provides detailed ultrasound images of the anal sphincter muscles and surrounding tissues, helping to diagnose conditions 

tp help guide the most effective treatment plan for your condition.

MRI enteroclysis is a specialised imaging test that provides detailed images of the small intestine. It is mainly used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease, as well as small bowel strictures, obstructions, tumours, and motility disorders.

A proctoscopy is a simple medical procedure that allows your consultant to examine the inside of your anal canal and rectum using a short, rigid tube called a proctoscope. This examination helps diagnose various conditions affecting the lower part of your bowel.

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of internal organs without radiation exposure. It is particularly useful for assessing bowel and digestive conditions, helping to detect inflammation, structural abnormalities, and functional issues in the abdominal and pelvic organs. 

CT (computerised tomography) is a type of X-ray that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of your body. Shaped like a large doughnut, you will pass through it on a couch while the machine takes images.

CT scans produce over 600 high-resolution images to diagnose conditions, planning treatments, and monitoring recovery after surgery or cancer therapy.

Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is a specialised imaging technique used to assess the rectum and surrounding structures. It provides highly detailed images of the rectal wall and nearby tissues, helping to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the lower bowel. 

An MRI proctogram is a specialised imaging test used to assess the function of the pelvic floor and rectum during bowel movements. It provides detailed images of the muscles, ligaments, and organs in the pelvic area and helps identify problems with how the bowel is emptying.

A rigid sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your consultant to examine the lower part of your bowel, specifically the rectum. This is achieved using a short, rigid tube equipped with a light, known as a sigmoidoscope. The procedure is commonly performed to investigate symptoms such persistent diarrhoea or constipation or unexplained abdominal pain

A video proctogram is a specialised X-ray test used to assess how well your bowel empties. It is commonly recommended for patients having trouble passing stools, incomplete evacuation, or symptoms of obstructed defecation and helps identify structural abnormalities.