Intestinal Ultrasound

[Howson123]

Was wondering if anyone knows how to access an intestinal ultrasound in the UK?

[edwangy]

you need to be referred by a gastro doctor

[Howson123 in reply to edwangy]

Gastro consultant stated that it’s not a procedure available on NHS.

[edwangy in reply to Howson123]

Why do you want an ultrasound? You can have a CT scan instead or an MRI

[Howson123 in reply to edwangy]

Both of these cost far more, are more invasive and have additional radiation exposures. I do still undergo these scans but through NHS it’s also only every few years and as you’ll know a lot can be occurring in between that time interval. The intestinal ultrasound can allow for far more regular, less invasive and zero radiation exposure scans.

[edwangy in reply to Howson123]

MRI doesn't use radiation, it's magnetic resonance imaging

[Howson123 in reply to edwangy]

Its the cost of the MRI that is preventing an offer of frequent scans. One every few years if I’m thought to need it. They would rather perform more frequent colonoscopies but given its small bowel IBD I’d rather more direct imaging of the small bowel. I would take more frequent MRIs gladly but they’re not offering and the cost of MRI private is far greater than cost of ultrasound.

[Shoeysmum]

Your first port of call is your GP who may refer you to the relevant consultant.

[Howson123 in reply to Shoeysmum]

GP referred to Gastro Consultant who stated that it’s not a procedure available on NHS.

[Shoeysmum]

In that case you'll need to go privately but, again, your GP will need to refer you to a consultant.

[Howson123]

Thanks. You happen to know what private health care provider offers intestinal ultrasounds? This is what I couldn’t source in UK.