The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Abdominal Pain Investigation in Colchester
Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain deserves a clear explanation. Dr Thines Karunakaran offers rapid consultant-led assessment and, where needed, endoscopy and scans at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
When to seek assessment
You should have specialist assessment if you have:
- Pain lasting more than a few weeks or keeping coming back
- Upper abdominal pain or indigestion that is not settling
- Pain with a change in bowel habit or bloating
- Pain with weight loss, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Pain with rectal bleeding or anaemia
- Pain after eating or waking you at night
Common causes
Most abdominal pain has a benign cause such as irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, gastritis, ulcers, gallstones, coeliac disease or constipation. Less commonly it reflects inflammation of the bowel, pancreas or liver disease, or cancer — which is why persistent pain should be assessed.
What happens at your appointment
Dr Karunakaran will take a detailed history, examine you and review previous results. Depending on your symptoms he may recommend blood and stool tests, a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, or an ultrasound or CT scan, and explain the findings and plan clearly.
Insured and self-pay
Recognised by insurers including Bupa (Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Aetna International, The Exeter and Benenden Health. Self-pay patients are welcome — consultations are £215 and follow-ups £150, with any tests or endoscopy quoted separately in advance.
Abdominal Pain FAQs
When should I see a specialist about abdominal pain?+
If pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or comes with weight loss, bleeding, vomiting, anaemia or a change in bowel habit, specialist assessment is worthwhile. Sudden severe pain needs urgent medical attention through NHS 111 or A&E.
Will I need a camera test?+
Not always. Many people are diagnosed from their history, examination and blood or stool tests. A gastroscopy or colonoscopy is recommended when symptoms suggest a cause inside the gut or serious disease needs to be excluded.
Can abdominal pain be IBS?+
Yes — IBS is one of the commonest causes, but it is diagnosed after other conditions have been sensibly excluded. Dr Karunakaran will make sure the right tests are done first.
How quickly can I be seen?+
Appointments at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester are usually available within days. Book online through The Oaks or contact my secretary on 07861 393237.
Get your abdominal pain assessed
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome · Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.