- Price
- £350£50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
Bowel ultrasound is a fast, accurate, and radiation-free imaging solution designed to bring clarity to gastrointestinal assessment. With high-resolution visualization and real-time evaluation, our clinicians can help detect inflammation, monitor disease activity, and support treatment decisions with confidence.
What it shows
The scan checks for
- Inflammation, areas where the bowel wall is swollen or irritated.
- Signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as changes linked to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and help track how these change over time.
- Areas of narrowing (strictures), places where the bowel has become tighter and may slow things down.
- Abscesses, pockets of infection near the bowel.
- Fistulas, small abnormal tunnels that can form between sections of bowel or nearby tissues.
- How the bowel is moving (motility), to see if things are working normally.
- Fluid collections, extra fluid that may indicate a problem.
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
Your consultant applies a small amount of gel and moves a handheld probe over the area, explaining what they see as they go.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
What causes bowel problems?
Bowel problems can have many causes. Some are temporary, like infections, food intolerances or constipation. Others are longer-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Sometimes symptoms can also come from inflammation, reduced blood flow, or issues with how the bowel moves. Your doctor will look at your symptoms together with tests like bowel ultrasound to understand what’s going on.
What symptoms might prompt a bowel ultrasound?
You might consider getting a bowel ultrasound scan if you're experiencing:
- Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or distension
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood or mucus in your stool
- Changes in how often you go to the toilet
- Symptoms linked to known IBD
- A flare-up of Crohn’s or colitis
It’s a quick, comfortable way to check for inflammation or other problems inside the bowel.
What kind of issues can a bowel ultrasound diagnose?
Bowel ultrasound can help identify a range of issues, including:
- Areas of bowel inflammation
- Signs suggestive of IBD (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and monitor how these change over time
- Areas of narrowing (strictures)
- Abscesses and fluid collections
- Fistulas
- Problems with blood flow to the bowel
- How the bowel is moving (motility changes)
When should I see a doctor for bowel issues?
You should seek medical advice if you have:
- Symptoms that don’t go away after a few weeks
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Blood in your stool
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- A known bowel condition and think you may be having a flare
How do I get my results?
Your scan will be carried out and interpreted by a consultant radiologist with specialist expertise in bowel ultrasound. They’ll talk you through what they’re seeing during the scan, answer any questions you have, and explain the next steps. After your appointment, you’ll receive a full written report by email, we aim to deliver this within 24 hours.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.