What this experience covers
This experience describes what people in the UK report about getting LIS surgery through private healthcare — the motivations, the process, the costs, and how the experience compared to their expectations. This is a composite from many anonymised accounts.
The pattern
Why people choose private
The most common reasons people describe for going private:
- NHS waiting times — the wait for a colorectal surgery appointment and then for the procedure itself can be months. For people in daily pain, this delay is difficult to bear.
- Speed of access — private consultations are typically available within days to weeks.
- Choice of surgeon — the ability to research and select a specific surgeon with expertise in the procedure.
- Continuity of care — seeing the same consultant throughout rather than different clinicians at each visit.
The process
People describe the private route as:
- Referral from GP or self-referral to a private colorectal consultant
- Initial consultation (typically within one to two weeks)
- Assessment and confirmation of treatment plan
- Surgery scheduled (often within two to four weeks of consultation)
- Post-operative follow-up with the same consultant
The costs
Costs vary significantly by region, surgeon, and hospital. People describe ranges of:
- Initial consultation: approximately 150 to 300 pounds
- The procedure (including hospital fees, anaesthetist, surgeon): approximately 2,000 to 4,000 pounds
- Follow-up appointments: approximately 100 to 200 pounds each
Some people use private medical insurance, which may cover some or all of the costs depending on the policy.
How it compared to expectations
Most people describe the private experience positively — shorter waits, personal attention, and a sense of being in control of the process. The surgical procedure and recovery are the same regardless of whether it is done privately or through the NHS.
What people wish they had known
- That the surgery itself is identical whether done privately or on the NHS — the difference is in access and experience
- That they should research the surgeon’s specific experience with LIS, not just their general credentials
- That some costs may be claimable on health insurance or tax-deductible in certain circumstances
- That NHS waiting times vary by region — some people found NHS access faster than expected
When to contact your doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Heavy or persistent bleeding
- Severe pain that is getting worse
- Fever or signs of infection
- Difficulty controlling gas or bowel movements after surgery