Sigmoidoscopy Test Cost in Hyderabad, India – 2026 Guide

The total cost of a sigmoidoscopy test may vary depending on the hospital, the type of sigmoidoscopy undergoing, sedation requirements, and whether additional procedures are performed. Below is a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with a sigmoidoscopy procedure:

Pre-Procedure Costs

• Consultation Fees: Charges for consultation with a gastroenterologist, which may vary depending on the specialist's expertise and hospital.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests or other investigations may be advised based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and overall health.
• Pre-Procedure Screening: A health assessment is performed to review medications, allergies, medical conditions, and fitness for the procedure and sedation, if required.
• Bowel Preparation: The cost may include medicines or preparation required to empty the lower part of the colon before the examination.

Sigmoidoscopy Procedure Costs

• Hospitalization Charges: Most sigmoidoscopy procedures are performed as day-care procedures. Charges may include the endoscopy unit, recovery area, and nursing services.
• Sigmoidoscopy Procedure: Covers the cost of the examination, including gastroenterologist's fees, endoscopy equipment, procedure room charges, and related consumables.
• Sedation and Medical Team Fees: If sedation is required, additional charges may include the sedative medicines, anaesthesiologist or sedation team, and monitoring during the procedure.
• Biopsy or Polyp Removal: If an abnormal area or polyp is found, additional charges may apply for biopsy, polyp removal, and related instruments or consumables.
• Pathology Charges: If a tissue sample is collected, laboratory charges for examining the biopsy under a microscope may be added.

Post-Procedure Care Costs

• Post-Procedure Monitoring: Includes monitoring of vital signs, recovery from sedation if used, and observation for any immediate complications.
• Recovery and Discharge: Most patients can go home the same day after a short period of observation, depending on their condition and whether sedation was used.
• Follow-Up Visits: Follow-up consultation may be required to discuss biopsy results, explain the findings, and plan further treatment if necessary.

Note: This cost structure helps patients understand the main expenses associated with a sigmoidoscopy test. At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, we provide personalised cost estimates based on the patient's symptoms, medical requirements, procedure type, and any additional intervention that may be needed.

A sigmoidoscopy is not required for everyone with digestive or bowel symptoms. It is usually recommended when doctors need to examine the rectum and the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) to identify the cause of symptoms or to investigate an abnormality found on other tests.

Common Conditions Indicating Need for a Sigmoidoscopy Test

• Rectal bleeding: Sigmoidoscopy can help identify causes of fresh blood in the stool, such as haemorrhoids, polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities in the lower colon.
• Persistent changes in bowel habits: It may be recommended for ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the usual bowel pattern when the cause is unclear.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Sigmoidoscopy can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as ulcerative colitis and assess the severity of inflammation.
• Unexplained lower abdominal or rectal pain: The procedure may help identify inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities in the lower bowel that could be causing symptoms.
• Suspected colon or rectal polyps: Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to identify and, in some cases, remove polyps or take a biopsy for further examination.
• Abnormal findings from other tests: It may be recommended when imaging or other investigations suggest an abnormality in the rectum or sigmoid colon that requires direct examination.
• Evaluation of suspected colorectal cancer: Sigmoidoscopy can help detect suspicious growths or lesions in the lower colon and allows tissue samples to be taken for laboratory testing.
• Follow-up of previously diagnosed bowel conditions: Patients with known abnormalities or certain inflammatory bowel conditions may require periodic sigmoidoscopy to monitor the condition and response to treatment.
• Evaluation after treatment: In selected patients, sigmoidoscopy may be used to check healing or monitor the lower bowel after treatment for inflammation, polyps, or other conditions.

While a sigmoidoscopy test is a safe test, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Certain medical conditions may increase the risk of complications or require the procedure to be postponed or an alternative investigation to be considered.

• Severe bowel inflammation: Patients with severe active colitis or significant inflammation may have a higher risk of bowel injury during the procedure. The gastroenterologist will decide whether sigmoidoscopy is appropriate.
• Suspected bowel perforation: If a bowel perforation is suspected, sigmoidoscopy may be avoided because inserting the scope could worsen the condition and requires urgent medical assessment.
• Severe bleeding or unstable condition: Patients with significant ongoing bleeding, very low blood pressure, or other signs of instability may need to be stabilised before undergoing the procedure.
• Severe clotting problems: Patients with significant bleeding or clotting abnormalities may require correction of the problem before sigmoidoscopy, particularly if a biopsy or polyp removal is expected.
• Inability to tolerate bowel preparation: Some patients may not be able to safely undergo the required bowel preparation because of certain serious medical conditions. The doctor may recommend an alternative preparation or investigation.
• Severe cardiopulmonary conditions: Patients with unstable heart or lung conditions may require medical stabilisation before the procedure, particularly if sedation is planned.

A detailed assessment by a qualified gastroenterologist is essential to determine whether sigmoidoscopy is appropriate. The doctor considers the patient's symptoms, medical history, medications, bowel condition, and overall health before recommending the test.

Different types of sigmoidoscopy may be used depending on the patient's symptoms and the area that needs to be examined. The type of procedure can influence the overall approach and cost.

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: The most commonly performed type, using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon. It may also allow the doctor to take biopsies or remove small polyps.
• Rigid Sigmoidoscopy: This approach uses a short, rigid instrument that examines the rectum and the lower part of the colon. It is less commonly used than flexible sigmoidoscopy and may be suitable for selected rectal conditions.

After a sigmoidoscopy test, careful attention to recovery is important, especially if a biopsy or polyp removal was performed.

• It is advised to remain under observation for the recommended period after the procedure, particularly if sedation was used.
• It is common to experience mild bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort for a short time after sigmoidoscopy. These symptoms usually settle on their own.
• It is recommended to drink adequate fluids and gradually return to the normal diet as advised by the doctor.
• If a biopsy or polyp removal was performed, patients should follow the gastroenterologist's instructions regarding diet, medicines, and physical activity.
• Patients who received sedation should avoid driving, operating machinery, or making essential decisions until the effects of the medication have completely worn off.
• It is recommended to attend scheduled follow-up appointments to discuss biopsy results, if a tissue sample was taken, and to plan further treatment if required.

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, fever, dizziness, fainting, persistent vomiting, or increasing abdominal swelling after the procedure.