What to Expect When Attending for a Consultation
Seeing a specialist for the first time can feel daunting, particularly if you are attending with bowel symptoms, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, a positive FIT test, a hernia, gallbladder symptoms, or another surgical concern.
Arriving at Spire Manchester
When you arrive at Spire Manchester Hospital, please report to the main reception desk.
The reception team will book you in and direct you to the appropriate waiting area. You may be asked to confirm your personal details, insurance details, or payment information if this has not already been completed.
You will then be called through for your consultation.
During your consultation
Your consultation will usually begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and concerns.
This may include questions about:
- Your current symptoms
- How long the problem has been present
- Any bleeding, pain, change in bowel habit, weight loss, or abdominal symptoms
- Previous investigations or treatments
- Past medical history
- Previous operations
- Current medications
- Family history, where relevant
- Any particular concerns you have
The aim of the consultation is to understand your symptoms properly, assess your risk factors, and agree a sensible plan for investigation or treatment.
Examination
After taking a history, your doctor may recommend a physical examination.
The type of examination will depend on your symptoms. For example, this may include examination of the abdomen, groin, hernia area, or rectal/anal area.
Some examinations may be intimate in nature. If an intimate examination is required, this will be explained to you beforehand, and a chaperone will be offered and used where appropriate.
You will always be treated with dignity and respect. You can ask questions at any stage, and you can decline or stop an examination if you do not feel comfortable.
Agreeing a management plan
After the discussion and examination, Mr Stylianides will explain his findings and discuss the most appropriate next steps with you.
This may include:
- Reassurance and advice
- Medication or lifestyle measures
- Blood tests or stool tests
- Imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI
- Endoscopy, such as colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or gastroscopy
- Referral to another specialist, if needed
- Discussion about surgery or another procedure
The aim is to create a clear management plan so that you understand what is being recommended and why.
If investigations are needed
If further investigations are recommended, these may be requested following your consultation.
Depending on the type of investigation, the hospital or Mr Stylianides’ office will contact you with further information. You may be offered appointment dates, preparation instructions, or details about what to expect.
Once the results are available, you will usually be contacted and may be invited back to clinic to discuss the findings and agree the next steps.
If a procedure is recommended
If a procedure is recommended, such as an endoscopy or an operation, you will receive further communication from the office.
This will usually include:
- Proposed dates for the procedure
- Information about where the procedure will take place
- Any preparation instructions
- Procedure codes, if required by your insurance company
- Details about the next steps for booking
If you are using private medical insurance, you may need to forward the procedure codes to your insurer to obtain authorisation before the procedure can go ahead.
After your consultation
Following your appointment, you will receive email communication from the office.
This may include a summary of the plan, details of any investigations requested, procedure information, or instructions about follow-up.
A clinic letter may also be sent to your GP or referring doctor, where appropriate.
Follow-up
Follow-up arrangements will depend on your symptoms and the plan agreed during the consultation.
You may be asked to return to clinic to:
- Review test results
- Discuss scan or endoscopy findings
- Decide whether treatment or surgery is needed
- Review your progress after treatment
- Discuss ongoing symptoms or concerns
The aim is to make sure you have a clear diagnosis, understand your options, and know what happens next.
Useful things to bring with you
Please bring any relevant information you already have, such as:
- GP referral letter
- Insurance authorisation details, if applicable
- List of current medications
- Previous clinic letters
- Previous operation notes, if available
- Blood test results
- Scan reports
- Previous colonoscopy, gastroscopy, or endoscopy reports
This can help make your consultation more efficient and ensure the right plan is made.
Questions
You are encouraged to ask questions during your appointment. It can be helpful to write down any concerns before attending, especially if you are worried about a diagnosis, investigation, or possible treatment.
The purpose of the consultation is not only to assess your symptoms, but also to make sure you feel informed, reassured, and clear about the next steps.