Rectal bleeding

What is Rectal Bleeding?

Rectal bleeding is the passage of blood from the back passage. It can be described as fresh or bright red which usually suggests a problem in the left colon. Dark/altered blood in the stools may suggest a bleeding point in the upper gastrointestinal tract, small bowel or the right colon.

Rectal bleeding

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

  • Anal fissure
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Polyps
  • Cancer
  • Ulcers

The best first investigation is a lower gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure. Treatment options are directed towards the cause of the bleeding. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy has the advantage of taking biopsies and performing endoscopic therapy (such as polypectomy) at the same time.

Rectal bleeding

If you want more information or are worried about rectal bleeding, you can book an urgent consultation with Dr Goel to discuss investigation and treatment options best suited to you.