Rectal Bleeding

7 November 2025

Rectal bleeding refers to blood passing from the back passage. It may appear as bright red blood on the paper, in the pan, mixed with stool, or as maroon/black stools depending on the source. While piles (haemorrhoids) and fissures are common causes, rectal bleeding can also signal polyps, inflammation or, less commonly, bowel cancer, so assessment is important.

At The New Foscote Hospital, we offer consultant-led assessment and onsite endoscopy — flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy — to identify the cause, take biopsies and plan treatment.

Symptoms And What To Look For

Bright red blood on wiping or streaked on stool
Blood mixed with stool or mucus
Dark maroon or black/tarry stools (may indicate higher-up bleeding)
Associated symptoms: pain on passing stool, itching, change in bowel habit, bloating, fatigue (from anaemia)

Urgent Red Flags

Seek immediate medical help (999/A&E) if you have:

Heavy or ongoing bleeding, dizziness/fainting, fast heartbeat, pale/clammy skin
Black, tarry stools with weakness or chest pain
Severe abdominal pain, fever or signs of infection

Common Causes

Haemorrhoids (Piles) – painless bright red bleeding, itching, lumps
Anal Fissure – sharp pain during bowel movements, fresh red bleeding
Diverticular Disease/Diverticulitis – bleeding or left-sided pain and bowel change
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – bleeding with diarrhoea, urgency, cramps
Colorectal Polyps – may bleed intermittently; important to remove/biopsy
Colorectal Cancer – bleeding with change in bowel habit, weight loss or anaemia
Proctitis/Colitis, angiodysplasia, radiation proctitis
Medicines that increase bleeding risk (e.g., anticoagulants, NSAIDs)

Diagnosis At New Foscote Hospital

Your consultant will take a focused history and examination and may recommend:

Onsite Endoscopy:
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy for distal/left-sided symptoms
- Colonoscopy to assess the whole colon and remove polyps/biopsy areas of concern
Blood Tests: full blood count (anaemia), inflammatory markers, iron studies
Stool Tests: infection screen or FIT in selected pathways
Imaging: CT in specific scenarios, guided by clinical need

Endoscopy – Colonoscopy
Imaging & Diagnostics
Meet Our Consultants

A referral from a Consultant or Private GP may be required. This can be arranged through our in-house teams.

Treatment Overview (Cause-Directed)

Haemorrhoids: fibre, fluids, topical therapy, banding/injections; surgery in refractory cases
Anal Fissure: stool softening, topical ointments; Botox or surgery if persistent
IBD/Proctitis: anti-inflammatory medicines (topical or oral), specialist follow-up
Polyps: polypectomy during colonoscopy with histology and surveillance plan
Cancer: rapid onward referral to an appropriate multidisciplinary team
Diverticular Bleeding: most settle; recurrent or severe cases investigated and managed per findings
Medication Review: adjust NSAIDs/anticoagulants when safe, with your prescriber
Anaemia Care: iron replacement and monitoring

Your consultant will tailor management and follow-up to your diagnosis and risk factors.

Preparing For Endoscopy

You’ll receive clear bowel-prep and fasting instructions (varies by test).
Most procedures are day-case with sedation options available; arrange an escort if sedated.
Bring a current medication list and discuss any blood thinners in advance.

When To Book An Assessment

Rectal bleeding lasting more than 1–2 weeks
Bleeding with change in bowel habit, abdominal pain or weight loss
Iron-deficiency anaemia or unexplained fatigue
Family history of bowel cancer or polyps

Early investigation provides clarity and peace of mind.

Make An Enquiry

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