Scanning
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Ultrasound scanning
Ultrasound scanning uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of whatever part of the body is being scanned. It is a quick out-patient scan that is the first line of investigation for many conditions particularly in the abdomen. It is a very safe method of imaging that does not involve any radiation exposure, hence its use in pregnancy. When attending for an abdominal scan you may be asked to fast for a few hours or to fill your bladder depending on the purpose of the scan. You will of course receive full instructions beforehand.
CT scanning
CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is a quick method of scanning that involves lying on a table which moves through a circular gantry with a rotating x-ray beam.
MRI scanning
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a scanning technique that uses a high powered magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce exquisitely detailed images. It is a safe method of scanning which does not involve exposure to x-rays.
MRI Scanning
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What is MRI scanning?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a scanning technique that uses a high powered magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce exquisitely detailed images. It is a safe method of scanning which does not involve exposure to x-rays. The patient simply lies on a table which slides into the scanner. How far in depends on what body part is being scanned. MRI scans take longer than CT scans to perform (average 30 minutes in the scanner) and the scanner itself can be noisy so headphones are offered and in some hospitals you can bring a CD of your own choice of music for your scan.
What are the uses for MRI scanning?
MRI scans are particularly useful for imaging the brain and the musculoskeletal system (e.g. spine and knees) but can also be used to image the arteries when the technique is then called MRA or Magnetic Resonance Angiography. Apart from supervising and reporting scans the role of radiologists like Dr. Crowe is also to advise patients, general practitioners and other specialists which type of scan (ultrasound, CT or MRI) is best to answer the particular clinical concern at the time. MRI scanning is very safe but there are certain exclusions on safety grounds, particularly that individuals with cardiac pacemakers should not go into an MRI scanner.
Multparametric MRI (mpMRI) for Prostate Disease
This is a special MRI technique to image the prostate and uses anatomical (identifying a focal abnormality) and functional (identify likelihood of cancer) sequences. The advantages of this technique are that it is non-invasive, can accurately record the size of the prostate gland and identify significant prostate cancer, if the volume is above 0.5cm3 (7mm lesion). It also can clearly identify the front of the gland and the apex (lowest point) and identify the likelihood of any spread outside the gland.
A completely normal mpMRIP can therefore be very reassuring that there is no significant prostate cancer and can help you make the decision if you need a TRUS biopsy or could be followed up with PSA measurements and interval mpMRIP’s.
For more information or to make an appointment, please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502.
For Private Treatment
Please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502. MRI scans are available at all of our sites on various days of the week. MRI and other diagnostic scans are routinely covered by private health insurance though it is always advisable to get pre-authorisation from your insurer and to check any conditions or exclusions that apply to your individual policy.
Self-Fund MRI scans
It is not necessary to have private health insurance in order to book a private MRI scan and many people choose to self-pay for a quick diagnosis and peace of mind and in order to avoid long NHS waiting times.
Self-fund scans are available at all of Dr. Crowe’s locations. The exact price depends on the type of MRI being performed and there are price variations between location. The scan fee is paid directly to the hospital or clinic and includes all reporting fees, etc. Please use the contact form for more information and a call back.
CT Scanning
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What is CT scanning?
CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is a quick method of scanning that involves lying on a table which moves through a circular gantry with a rotating x-ray beam. These x-rays which are then picked up by an array of sensitive detectors on the gantry and the information converted by a high powered computer processor to give detailed images which can be reviewed and manipulated on a workstation. The scan itself takes only a matter of seconds. Depending on what part of the body is being scanned it may be necessary to drink an oral contrast agent (a fruit or aniseed flavoured drink over about an hour prior to the scan) to show the bowel or to have an intravenous contrast injection into an arm vein to show the blood vessels and internal organs in more detail.
What are the uses for CT scanning?
CT scanning is sometimes used as a screening examination particularly for bowel cancer and heart disease for those with relevant risk factors.
CT scanning has improved dramatically in recent years with the advent of Multidetector CT (MDCT) which enables the radiologist to view scans in multiple planes and create complex 3D reconstructions that assist in planning interventional radiology procedures. CT Angiograms enable the demonstration of arteries in a non-invasive manner and state of the art 64 slice multidetector CT scanners (like that at the Priory Hospital) are fast enough to perform cardiac CT to demonstrate the heart and coronary arteries without interference from the heart beating.
For more information or to make an appointment, please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502.
For Private Treatment
Please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502. CT scans are available at all of our sites on various days of the week. CT and other diagnostic scans are routinely covered by private health insurance though it is always advisable to get pre-authorisation from your insurer and to check any conditions or exclusions that apply to your individual policy.
Self-Fund CT scans
It is not necessary to have private health insurance in order to book a private CT scan and many people choose to self-pay for a quick diagnosis and peace of mind and in order to avoid long NHS waiting times.
Self-fund scans are available at all of Dr. Crowe’s locations. The exact price depends on the type of CT being performed and there are price variations between location. The scan fee is paid directly to the hospital or clinic and includes all reporting fees, etc. Please use the contact form for more information and a call back.
Ultrasound Scanning
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What is ultrasound scanning?
Ultrasound scanning uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of whatever part of the body is being scanned. It is a quick out-patient scan that is the first line of investigation for many conditions particularly in the abdomen. It is a very safe method of imaging that does not involve any radiation exposure, hence its use in pregnancy. When attending for an abdominal scan you may be asked to fast for a few hours or to fill your bladder depending on the purpose of the scan. You will of course receive full instructions beforehand.
Doppler or duplex ultrasound scanning is a form of ultrasound scanning used to examine arteries and veins and is often performed before some of the interventional radiology procedures like angioplasty and stenting described in the Peripheral Arterial Disease and Carotid Intervention sections. The radiologist scans the vessel using a small hand-held probe placed on the skin surface using a water based gel as a contact agent. The images are displayed on a monitor and detailed measurements of the vessel and rate of flow of the blood within it can be made to assess any narrowing or blockage present.
What are the uses for ultrasound scanning?
Ultrasound scanning can be used as a quick screening examination for conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and is also the examination of choice for testicular or scrotal swellings.
Ultrasound is often used in interventional radiology procedures to access vessels or to guide needle placement for biopsy or drainage. Small portable or handheld ultrasound scanners can also be used in intensive care or emergency departments.
Testicular ultrasound is also ideal for men experiencing any kind of testicular symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, to find out the cause and establish whether any treatment is needed.
For more information or to make an appointment, please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502
For Private Treatment
Please use the contact form or speak to Dr. Crowe’s secretary on 0121 448 1502. Ultrasound scans are available at all of our sites on various days of the week. Ultrasound and other diagnostic scans are routinely covered by private health insurance though it is always advisable to get pre-authorisation from your insurer and to check any conditions or exclusions that apply to your individual policy.
Self-Fund ultrasound scans
It is not necessary to have private health insurance in order to book a private ultrasound scan and many people choose to self-pay for a quick diagnosis and peace of mind and in order to avoid long NHS waiting times.
Self-fund scans are available at all of Dr. Crowe’s locations. The exact price depends on the type of ultrasound being performed and there are minor variations between location. The scan fee is paid directly to the hospital or clinic and includes all reporting fees, etc. Please use the contact form for more information and a call back.
Frequently asked questions
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General FAQs
A GP referral is always desirable but is not essential and you can be seen for a consultation or scan without a referral. It is recommended that Dr. Crowe communicates with and shares results with your GP but that would only be done with your consent. It is worth noting that if your treatment is being covered by private health insurance a GP referral may be a condition of your policy cover and this is something you would need to check with your insurer when seeking pre-authorisation.
Consultations and scans can usually be arranged within a week to tens days depending on the exact type of scan and preferred location. Dr. Crowe’s practice manager, Lisa, can advise on the earliest available appointment options. Bookings for day case or in-patient procedures can usually be arranged within 2-3 weeks depending on the preferred location and bed availability. Medically urgent procedures can be arranged at short notice as required.
Telephone and video consultations are available. Many with busy lifestyles appreciate these options and they are particularly convenient for patients living some distance from our centres or overseas. Dr. Crowe’s practice manager, Lisa, can advise on availability.
No. Although the majority of patients are covered by private health insurance, either personal or through their employer, increasing numbers are choosing to self pay and costs are often less than anticipated.
Funding
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Private Medical Insurance
Dr. Crowe is recognised by all the major private health insurance providers. To avail of your private insurance cover it is essential to contact your insurer in advance and obtain the necessary pre-authorisation for treatment. Dr. Crowe’s office can provide his provider number for the insurance company concerned as well as the procedure codes for the proposed treatment. Having this information before contacting your insurer speeds up the process of getting pre-authorisation.
While Dr. Crowe’s professional fees are within the insurance companies’ published guideline ranges the level of cover will depend on the conditions of your individual policy or that provided by your employer and cover should always be checked in advance. Some policies may stipulate an excess to be paid by the policy holder and this may be invoiced to you directly. There may be annual limits on cover, limits on out-patient cover or restricted cover for pre-existing conditions. Certain policies may also limit the choice of hospitals where treatment can be provided and this is particularly the case when considering treatment in central London. Insurers may stipulate that you must be referred to Dr. Crowe by your general practitioner or specialist but some allow self-referral or provide their own online GP service.
Self pay
It is not necessary to have private health insurance to avail of private medical care. More and more people are choosing to self-fund private treatment and are finding costs are often less than they had anticipated. Private medical care offers prompt and efficient diagnosis and treatment with your choice of consultant, at a time that suits you, in a clean and pleasant hospital environment.
Upon request price quotes can be obtained for the various treatments offered by Dr. Crowe. Having an initial consultation and scan does not commit you to proceeding with treatment and for more expensive high tech procedures the individual private hospitals can often offer a range of payment options. Although Dr. Crowe’s professional fees are standard regardless of treatment site the total costs are usually lower in Birmingham, reflecting higher hospital and clinic charges in central London.
For diagnostic scans Dr. Crowe can offer ultrasound, CT and MRI scanning at very reasonable self-fund rates that also vary from one private hospital to another. Plain X-Rays required for immigration and pre-employment health screening purposes can also be arranged.
Overseas Patients
Dr. Crowe is happy to take overseas referrals and can offer telephone and online consultations. Scans performed in your home country can be reviewed and he can liaise with your local doctors before you travel. Advice can be given on travel and follow up arrangements.
The private hospitals where Dr. Crowe practices can quote all in prices for treatment and assist with booking and arrangements prior to travel.
Dr. Crowe is recognised by many international and expatriate health insurance providers. In other cases the private hospitals may have agreements with international insurers and can facilitate treatment planning by liaising directly with the insurer for price quotes and invoicing.
Dr Crowe is based in London and Birmingham. Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and is situated approximately 100 miles (160Km) north of London. There are excellent road and rail links and Birmingham International Airport provides direct flights to most European destinations as well as direct links to American, Asian and Middle Eastern cites.
Funding partners
Reviews
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Patient comments
"Dr Crowe is the kindest and most competent radiologist in this field. You should not go to anyone else. He has the best technical expertise together with a great deal of compassion which is a rare combination today. I could not recommend him more. The best radiologist in the U.K!"
MA, Birmingham
"I would thoroughly recommend couples who are having problems conceiving to go and see Dr. Crowe. Much emphasis is put on women’s investigations at both NHS and private fertility clinics, with no consideration given to assess factors originating from male fertility issues."
“A few years ago Dr. Crowe diagnosed me with a varicocele, a condition that I probably had for a number of years, and something I never considered would have had such a profound effect on my fertility.
We had been trying for 3 years to conceive naturally and through IVF. Successive semen tests had shown a reduction in all my semen parameters. Disappointingly both the NHS and a private fertility clinic where we had previously attended were very dismissive of any benefit arising from having the varicocele treated.
I am very glad we did not listen to them and contacted Dr.Crowe.
Dr. Crowe undertook both the ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis, and also undertook the varicocele embolisation procedure. Everything was explained to me very clearly and the procedure itself went extremely well, painless and without complication, allowing me to return to work after the weekend.
In the 2½ years following the procedure, my semen parameters have improved steadily, and this resulted in the recent birth of our beautiful baby daughter naturally (and not through IVF).
We are extremely grateful to Dr. Crowe for his care and for successfully embolising my varicocele.
I would encourage all men who are struggling to conceive with their partner to arrange a consultation with Dr.Crowe to determine whether the underlying cause is due to a varicocele.
A huge thank you from us.”
SD Fibroid Embolisation – I have my life back!
After suffering with excruciating period pain, bloating, headaches, fatigue and endless visits to her GP for over 5 years, SD, finally discovered the root cause of her problems…a huge fibroid!
Her home life, work life, her sleep and the physical activity she was able to do were all affected by the pain she endured. S. felt a lump in her abdomen which led her to naturally panic, an ultrasound scan later revealed it was in fact a large fibroid which was pushing on her bowel.
The first consultant she saw said that the only treatment would be was to have a hysterectomy, which at 37 years old, was the last thing S wanted to put herself through and was concerned about experiencing an early menopause. She was convinced there had to be another option so decided to do her own online research and came across Dr Paul Crowe, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at BMI Priory Hospital and called his secretary to book an appointment.
Dr Crowe said that she might be eligible for fibroid embolisation treatment, which meant a hysterectomy wouldn’t be necessary. Immediately S felt she was in safe hands with Dr Crowe, he explained everything thoroughly, had a calming patient manner, and a quiet confidence which she found incredibly reassuring.
“Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a minimally invasive treatment performed by interventional radiologists which shrinks uterine fibroids by blocking their blood supply. It only requires a tiny needle puncture in the femoral artery in the groin to direct a fine catheter under x-ray guidance down into the arteries supplying the fibroids. These are then blocked with tiny plastic spheres, causing the fibroid to shrink away gradually over a few months. It only involves an overnight stay in hospital and allows rapid return to normal activities.”
“Having been one of the first specialists offering fibroid embolisation in the UK I have now personally performed over 8,000 treatments, giving women a genuine choice and allowing many to avoid major open surgery. I am delighted that Sarah was not only suitable for the procedure but has clearly done so well afterwards.
Following her treatment S was back at work after 2 weeks, and within a month, she could already feel relief of her symptoms. The constant bloating and pressure she felt in her tummy had gone and she no longer dreaded her periods. Her time of the month is now a breeze and it’s all down to her fibroid embolization treatment. Her post-operative scan revealed that it had shrunk by 90% which was a fantastic result.
S said, “I feel emotional talking about it and recommend any women with similar symptoms to get checked out. I can’t explain how much energy I now have and how improved my periods are. I used to arrange social events and important meetings around my menstrual cycle which was crazy. I’d wake up between 10-15 times in the night to go to the toilet which would have a detrimental effect on my fatigue, it was awful. That is all ancient history now thanks to Dr Crowe. He was incredible, as were the nursing and theatre staff, I’m so grateful to them…I now have my life back!”
KW, Midlands
"I am so, so thankful to have found Dr Crowe, as he has turned my life around for me."
“To start my story – after the birth of my son I developed severe pains in my left side and after admission to hospital was diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome. Despite frequent consultations and hospital visits I was told that all I could be offered was pain relief. The pain became so severe that I was prescribed morphine, with increasing doses which had limited effect. By this time I could no longer play with my son nor do every day activities, my attendance at work plummeted to a point that I had to give up as I constantly had Human Resources on my back. At this point I had reached an all time low and was constantly in tears and my quality of life was zero.
At this point my parents started researching the internet and came across Dr Crowe, they telephoned his secretary and I received an appointment within a week…thank God for that. I finally felt like somebody was believing me and could offer help. After my holiday I went through my procedure of pelvic embolisation and boy what a difference has it has made to my life. Dr Crowe was very informative, explained exactly what was going to happen and what to expect after the embolisation. My morphine is now a thing of the past, I can play with my son and I have achieved the light at the end of a very long tunnel that I didn’t think I would reach. To anyone with this condition I would say contact Dr Crowe immediately. You will not regret your decision, I feel I owe him my life.”
KC, Cumbria
"For several years I suffered a dragging and burning sensation in my lower back, bloating in my stomach and an aching in and across my pelvic area. Then I began to get fatigue and weakness in my legs, it would suddenly feel like someone had flicked my power switch off."
“These debilitating symptoms grew more intense over time and became such a part of my life that I no longer knew what it was like to be pain free or actually firing on all cylinders. Blood tests did not throw anything up and an ultrasound carried out was normal (I now know this is not likely to show the condition I had in any case) but whilst I was not ill, I was permanently feeling unwell. I was suffering physically but also began to become affected mentally as there were too many days when I found it difficult to cope with the symptoms and the impact they were having on me.
I also started to gain weight as I could no longer enjoy walking or cycling which added to my distress as I had always been very athletic and feared other health implications such as diabetes due to my weight gain. At the end of a working day, I would be in such pain that I couldn’t wait to lie down just to feel some relief. My job involved lots of driving and standing up so it affected working too and I ended up resigning my training job which I thoroughly enjoyed. More recent, I then began to experience discomfort during and after sexual intercourse which began to affect my relationship with my husband. The whole thing was making me feel down and depressed and I felt powerless to do anything about it.
As I was in my early fifties, the general consensus of the various medical opinions sought was that all my symptoms were due to the menopause and it would “sort itself out once I was through it”.
Now, I know my body well and I recognised and agreed that I had some menopause symptoms that were very unpleasant and an absolute nuisance but I was sure that there was something else happening and despite one female doctor’s best efforts to put me on HRT, I instinctively knew that that was not going to be the answer. I felt strongly that I would cope with what the menopause might be throwing at me through diet, exercise etc. if only I could get some relief from the pain and discomfort. Coping with everything was becoming too much ad started to come to a head in June last year when I couldn’t continue to work as I started to have spells of fluctuating blood pressure.
I was miserable and feeling very helpless.
One October day I was on Google seeking yet more advice / remedy etc. for back pain and found a link took me to an article on Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and Dr Paul Crowe’s work . I still do not know how it came up but it appeared (maybe divine intervention?). As I read through it, I couldn’t believe it. This seemed to mirror exactly my symptoms but cautious of becoming a self- diagnosed by internet person, I went to see my GP, keen to tell him about what I had found and the work being carried out by Dr Paul Crowe.
He admitted he knew nothing about PCS and as I explained to him what I had read was a little dismissive. Slightly irritated, I left him with a challenge to look into it. To his credit he did and called me to say he was prepared to consider exploring it further.
Fast forward to May this year, after an initial CT scan it was confirmed I had a problem with a vein in my pelvis and, the very caring and sensitive Dr. Crowe carried out a procedure to put coils into the vein. It was so painless, I chose not to have any pain relief and was able to watch whilst he carried it out. He and his team were fantastic and explained everything clearly. I was only there for the day and fit to fly out on holiday two days later.
Within a few days I knew I was feeling much better and as time has gone by I keep having to pinch myself. I am completely free of back and pelvis pain and feeling fantastic. I am walking easily without the horrible weakness or fatigue and out cycling almost every day. The joy of feeling power and strength again in my legs led me to cycle along the cycle track whooping with delight and peddling like fury. I cannot believe the difference to my quality of life. I am losing weight too and am so happy that my long suffering husband is now starting to get back the vibrant, bubbly woman he married. Also, because I am not feeling down and overwhelmed by discomfort and pain, any menopause symptoms I may still have can be easily coped with now and do not cause me too much bother.
I understand that getting a true diagnosis of what is causing a problem is difficult but I hope that more GPs, Gynaecologists and other health workers develop a deeper understanding about Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. I was fortunate in that I took control over my own health through pure desperation and was able to confidently challenge my GP. Fortunate too that he was prepared to listen and think outside of the box, particularly in cases like mine being a women of a certain age. All my symptoms could have all so easily have been put down to simply part of going through the menopause and I would have continued to be utterly miserable.
Thank you so much Dr. Paul Crowe, you are a special person.”
V, B and little M
"We met Paul a couple of years ago. He operated on my partner performing a variocele embolisation."
“We had been through 6 years of trying for a baby. We’d lost 3 pregnancies, relatively late, had one failed IVF attempt and then following Paul Crowe’s procedure we had a successful round of IVF and now have a beautiful daughter. We can’t thank you enough Paul for giving us hope where we literally had none left. She’s everything we dreamed having a daughter could be. The procedure itself was pain free, quick and my partner recovered quickly. Despite being advised against the procedure by our fertility consultant who didn’t believe it would make much difference, my partner’s abnormal sperm head morphology went from being 100% abnormal to 98% abnormal. A small increase but obviously enough to make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Thank you.“
K, West Midlands
"I first met Dr Paul Crowe two years ago for a consultation to consider my options regarding a large uterine fibroid. I sought him out after incredibly high recommendation."
“He not only lived up to his reputation, but far exceeded it. I knew without a doubt that I was meeting an excellent consultant, but running parallel with this, I was met by the most warm, sincere and empathic human being, who was genuinely interested to listen to and understand my personal needs. My case isn’t straightforward and Dr Crowe has been unfalteringly supportive and empathic in his professional care for me. For anyone considering the treatments offered by Dr Crowe, please be reassured by my experience, that you couldn’t be in better hands.“
S, London
"15 months ago Dr. Crowe fixed a varicocele for me due to me having a low sperm count, I am happy to say I am now writing this with my 9 day old daughter sleeping next to me. I am in no doubt that if it was not for his skill at being able to fix the varicocele where others had failed I would not be a Dad right now."
MF, Beaconsfield
“I would like to thank Dr Crowe for all the care, understanding and compassion that he has shown to me and my family."
“He has a bedside manner that should be the envy of all and he is a truly gifted human being. He is so passionate, focused and driven in his field and from the moment I met him, I knew immediately that I was in the very best hands.”
T, 9 months after uterine artery embolisation for fibroids
"I suffered with fibroids for 6 years and thought there was no hope, then I was told about this procedure. I had my procedure in October last year and the results have been amazing! It has changed my life. I no longer have to plan my life around my menstrual cycle. I cannot recommend this procedure enough it is fantastic!”
I, following ovarian vein embolisation for pelvic congestion syndrome
“The fantastic news is that the embolisation has been an amazing success and has totally transformed my life, I am living pain free and I can stand for long periods etc with no problems."
“I cannot begin to explain what an impact this has had on my life and I am beginning to undertake physical activities that I haven’t been able to do without considerable pain for years. It is simply fantastic. I have a tiny amount of residual ache low down/top of thigh but I would say it is 95% better than before. I cannot thank you enough!”
C, 6 months after fibroid embolisation treatment
"The difference in the quality of my life has been amazing! Before the treatment my stomach was the size of an 18 week pregnancy. It has reduced right down and I am no longer asked when am I having my baby. My periods are so much better."
“I can now leave the house and carry on with every day activities during my period. The treatment was fine, recovery afterwards did not take long and I feel 10,000 times better. I would strongly urge any woman who has a troublesome fibroid to get in contact with Dr. Crowe and get the right treatment without having to resort to more invasive surgery. It gave me my life back, and I am so grateful for the wonderful treatment that I received.”
