The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Rectal Bleeding Specialist in Colchester
Blood in the stool is understandably worrying. Dr Thines Karunakaran offers rapid private assessment and colonoscopy at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester so you get a clear explanation quickly rather than waiting and wondering.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Symptoms that need assessment
Arrange a specialist review if you have any of the following:
- Bright red blood on the paper, in the pan or on the stool
- Dark or tarry stool
- Blood mixed through the stool
- Bleeding with a change in bowel habit
- Bleeding with abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss
- Bleeding with iron deficiency anaemia
- Bleeding over the age of 50, or with a family history of bowel cancer
- Bleeding that keeps returning despite treatment for piles
Your consultation
Dr Karunakaran will take a detailed history, examine you and arrange blood tests. The pattern of bleeding, your age and any accompanying symptoms all guide how urgently further investigation is needed.
Colonoscopy and bowel cancer investigation
Colonoscopy remains the most reliable way to find the source of bleeding, because polyps can be removed and biopsies taken during the same procedure. It is performed by Dr Karunakaran at The Oaks Hospital.
Clear answers and follow-up
You will be told what was found on the day, with a written report for you and your GP and a follow-up appointment to review any laboratory results and agree a treatment or surveillance plan.
Rectal bleeding FAQs
Should I see a specialist about rectal bleeding?+
Yes. Rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be piles without assessment, particularly if it is new, persistent, mixed in with the stool, or accompanied by a change in bowel habit, weight loss or anaemia.
What causes blood in the stool?+
Common causes include haemorrhoids and anal fissures, but bleeding can also come from polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, angiodysplasia or bowel cancer. The purpose of assessment is to identify which.
What tests will I need?+
Assessment usually involves an examination, blood tests including a full blood count, and in most cases a colonoscopy to look directly at the bowel lining. A FIT stool test may also be used to help guide urgency.
How quickly can I be seen in Colchester?+
Private appointments at The Oaks Hospital are typically available within days, and a colonoscopy can usually be arranged shortly afterwards — important when bleeding needs prompt explanation.
Is dark blood more serious than bright red blood?+
Bright red blood on the paper or surface of the stool often comes from the anus or lower rectum, while darker blood mixed through the stool suggests a source higher in the bowel. Both warrant assessment, and dark, tarry stool needs urgent review.
Could rectal bleeding be bowel cancer?+
Most rectal bleeding is not cancer, but bowel cancer is highly treatable when found early — which is why a direct look at the bowel is the safest way to give you a definite answer.
Get rectal bleeding assessed in Colchester
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome. Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.