Bowel health
From digestive discomfort to long-term bowel concerns, our specialists provide clear answers, fast access to testing and expert care – so you can feel like yourself again.
Free Booking Protection
If the specialist you book isn’t suitable for your needs, we’ll cover a rebooking to someone who is. See our T&Cs for more.
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Free Booking Protection
If the specialist you book isn’t suitable for your needs, we’ll cover a rebooking to someone who is. See our T&Cs for more.
Private bowel care from trusted specialists
Our specialists understand that bowel symptoms can feel worrying or uncomfortable to talk about, but they’re incredibly common and most causes are easily treatable. Whether you’re experiencing changes in your bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding, or bloating, we’re here to listen, investigate, and help you find clarity. From early diagnosis to ongoing management, we make bowel care straightforward, discreet and focused entirely on you.
Common bowel symptoms to look out for
Bowel changes are common, but persistent symptoms are always worth investigating. Knowing what to look out for can help you take action early and get the right support.
Changes in bowel habit
Ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two can be a sign that your bowel isn’t working as it should.
Blood in your stool
Even small amounts of blood should always be checked – it can be minor, but it can also be an early sign of something more sinister.
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Persistent pain, bloating, or cramping can signal inflammation or other bowel issues that benefit from early assessment.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying can sometimes be linked to digestive conditions and should always be discussed with a specialist.
Fatigue or anaemia
Low iron or constant tiredness can result from blood loss in the bowel – a sign that further investigation might be needed.
A feeling of incomplete emptying
Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels can happen with IBS, inflammation or rectal conditions. If it keeps happening, book an assessment so we can check the cause.
Understanding your bowel symptoms
Changes in your bowel habits – diarrhoea, constipation or a difference in your stool – can have many causes. Our consultants assess your symptoms carefully to identify what’s going on and get you on the right path to treatment.
Blood in your stool (rectal bleeding) should always be checked. It is often caused by common conditions such as haemorrhoids or fissures, but sometimes further investigation is needed. If you notice bleeding, book an assessment so we can advise on the right next steps.
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Noticed changes?
If you’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits, persistent bloating, pain, or blood in your stool, it’s worth getting checked – even if your symptoms seem mild. Take our 2 minute bowel symptom checker quiz to understand if you need to see a specialist.
See what our patients have to say
There are some people you meet in life who you will never forget, and Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis is one of those people. From the very beginning, he treated me with such kindness, compassion and respect. Going through cancer and major surgery was one of the most frightening and difficult experiences of my life, but I always felt that I was in the safest possible hands with him. Mr Panteleimonitis is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but what meant just as much to me was the human side of the care he gave me. He spoke to me with kindness, listened to me, reassured me and made me feel that I mattered as a person, not simply as a patient. My surgery was major and complex, and I will never forget what he did for me. When you are the person lying in that hospital bed, frightened and putting your life into somebody else’s hands, that level of skill, care and compassion means more than words can really express. He treated me fantastically throughout my care and gave me confidence during a time when I felt incredibly vulnerable. To me, Mr Panteleimonitis is a true hero. I will always be grateful for his skill, dedication, compassion and for the care he showed me and my family during such a difficult chapter of my life. Thank you simply does not feel enough, but I will carry an enormous amount of gratitude for him for the rest of my life. I could not recommend Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis more highly.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMy operation and after could not have better. Mr Radley explained everything perfectly and treat me with upmost respect.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Kasun was kind, professional, gave a very clear explanation of everything that was going to happen and I felt safe in his hands. He is extremely diligent and goes above and beyond from what you would expect from a very busy surgeon with a lot of patients. I cannot speak more highly of him.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMr Panteleimonitis Consultant colorectal and genetal surgeon was very professional throughout my experience as a patient under his care at Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital. I felt completely cared for from the outset of my contact with Mr Ponteleimonitis given the way in which he explained the outcome of tests undertaken by the hospital leading to my prognosis. I was given his reassurance that the process would be straightforward and not complicated given his observation of his findings. He explained in the presence of a Clinical Nurse what the whole process of care would entail, when and where and for how long - which also gave me and my husband time to ask relevant questions where necessary re my care and outcomes during and following surgery. Given the fact I was put at ease throughout the whole process I feel that this aided my speedy recovery and I remained upbeat throughout. I felt well prepared for surgery and felt well cared for afterards by all care staff. I also only remained in hospital for the number of days stated by Mr Panteleimonitis which was also a demonstration of the care he said I would receive, and expect which I feel was exceptional given my speedy recovery where I continued to remain upbeat throughout the whole process right up until my next appointment with him 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. Mr Panteleimonitis people skills and care was exceptional which enabled me to remain at ease throughout the whole process of my care which I thanked him for.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisExcellent surgeon. Very professional, pleasant and helpful., I have nothing but praise for the treatment that I have received from him.
— Patient of Simon RadleyThe surgeon took the time to explain the procedure, the options and the outcomes throughout the process including the risks
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMr Radley listened to my concerns and was very kind and professional in explaining the options available to me. A very likeable gentleman who made me feel at ease.
— Patient of Simon RadleyReally professional - as you’d expect. Made me feel at ease and was reassuring and that I wasn’t wasting mine or his time.
— Patient of Stephen WardMr Richardson whilst being completely professional, had a lovely bedside manner & explained everything in a way which was easy to understand. I felt assured that I would be in safe hands with him, & would he happy to recommend him to my friends & family.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonI met with Mr Wanigasooriya after my sergery on the 19 th of May firstly lwould like to thank him and his great team for what you did for me you all did a great job thank you all.Today Kasun examind me and said l was doing good he is a very nice man easy to talk tol had got a few question to ask he explaned everything and made shore i understood l was really happey
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaThere are some people you meet in life who you will never forget, and Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis is one of those people. From the very beginning, he treated me with such kindness, compassion and respect. Going through cancer and major surgery was one of the most frightening and difficult experiences of my life, but I always felt that I was in the safest possible hands with him. Mr Panteleimonitis is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but what meant just as much to me was the human side of the care he gave me. He spoke to me with kindness, listened to me, reassured me and made me feel that I mattered as a person, not simply as a patient. My surgery was major and complex, and I will never forget what he did for me. When you are the person lying in that hospital bed, frightened and putting your life into somebody else’s hands, that level of skill, care and compassion means more than words can really express. He treated me fantastically throughout my care and gave me confidence during a time when I felt incredibly vulnerable. To me, Mr Panteleimonitis is a true hero. I will always be grateful for his skill, dedication, compassion and for the care he showed me and my family during such a difficult chapter of my life. Thank you simply does not feel enough, but I will carry an enormous amount of gratitude for him for the rest of my life. I could not recommend Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis more highly.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMy operation and after could not have better. Mr Radley explained everything perfectly and treat me with upmost respect.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Kasun was kind, professional, gave a very clear explanation of everything that was going to happen and I felt safe in his hands. He is extremely diligent and goes above and beyond from what you would expect from a very busy surgeon with a lot of patients. I cannot speak more highly of him.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMr Panteleimonitis Consultant colorectal and genetal surgeon was very professional throughout my experience as a patient under his care at Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital. I felt completely cared for from the outset of my contact with Mr Ponteleimonitis given the way in which he explained the outcome of tests undertaken by the hospital leading to my prognosis. I was given his reassurance that the process would be straightforward and not complicated given his observation of his findings. He explained in the presence of a Clinical Nurse what the whole process of care would entail, when and where and for how long - which also gave me and my husband time to ask relevant questions where necessary re my care and outcomes during and following surgery. Given the fact I was put at ease throughout the whole process I feel that this aided my speedy recovery and I remained upbeat throughout. I felt well prepared for surgery and felt well cared for afterards by all care staff. I also only remained in hospital for the number of days stated by Mr Panteleimonitis which was also a demonstration of the care he said I would receive, and expect which I feel was exceptional given my speedy recovery where I continued to remain upbeat throughout the whole process right up until my next appointment with him 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. Mr Panteleimonitis people skills and care was exceptional which enabled me to remain at ease throughout the whole process of my care which I thanked him for.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisExcellent surgeon. Very professional, pleasant and helpful., I have nothing but praise for the treatment that I have received from him.
— Patient of Simon RadleyThe surgeon took the time to explain the procedure, the options and the outcomes throughout the process including the risks
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMr Radley listened to my concerns and was very kind and professional in explaining the options available to me. A very likeable gentleman who made me feel at ease.
— Patient of Simon RadleyReally professional - as you’d expect. Made me feel at ease and was reassuring and that I wasn’t wasting mine or his time.
— Patient of Stephen WardMr Richardson whilst being completely professional, had a lovely bedside manner & explained everything in a way which was easy to understand. I felt assured that I would be in safe hands with him, & would he happy to recommend him to my friends & family.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonI met with Mr Wanigasooriya after my sergery on the 19 th of May firstly lwould like to thank him and his great team for what you did for me you all did a great job thank you all.Today Kasun examind me and said l was doing good he is a very nice man easy to talk tol had got a few question to ask he explaned everything and made shore i understood l was really happey
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMeet our specialists in bowel health
- SR
Mr Simon Radley
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB CHB, MD, FRCS
Available from 22/09/2026Mr Simon Radley is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham), The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Droitwich Spa Hospital (Droitwich Spa). With over 25 years’ consultant experience, he specialises in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery for colorectal conditions and hernias. Patients value his clear explanations and steady, patient-centred care from first assessment through diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
Specialises in 13 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
- Colonoscopy
- Incisional Hernia Repair
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Droitwich Spa HospitalThe Harborne Hospital41 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 3063565Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - JR
Mr Jonathan Richardson
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB, ChB, PGCMedED, MD, FRCS(Eng)
Available from 19/09/2026Mr Jonathan Richardson is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). He treats hernias, haemorrhoids and a wide range of colorectal problems, using laparoscopic and open techniques. Patients value his calm, analytical style and the way he explains investigations and results step by step before agreeing treatment.
Specialises in 12 procedures
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
BirminghamThe Priory Hospital21 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6122354Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 25/09/2026Mr Stephen Ward is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He specialises in keyhole surgery for bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias and anal fistula disease. His practice offers clear explanations, modern techniques and carefully coordinated care so people feel informed, reassured and supported throughout treatment and follow up.
Specialises in 5 procedures
- Incisional Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Recurrent Incisional Hernia Repair
BirminghamThe Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital23 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SA
Ms Sarah Addison
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Available from 25/09/2026Miss Sarah Addison is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She treats bowel symptoms, benign colorectal conditions and hernias, using laparoscopic techniques where suitable. By explaining investigations and options in straightforward language, she helps people feel safe, informed and involved in planning treatment that fits their needs.
Specialises in 12 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4291798Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - MC
Ms Melissa Cunha
General Surgery, Colorectal
MD, PhD, FRCS
Available from 22/09/2026Miss Melissa Cunha is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She treats colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and benign bowel problems using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. She also manages rectal bleeding and long-standing bowel changes. Known for her warm, clear manner, she explains tests and treatment options simply, so care feels safe and well supported.
BirminghamThe Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - CA
Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe
Colorectal, General Surgery
MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)
Available from 18/09/2026Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He treats abdominal wall hernias, anorectal problems and bowel symptoms, and performs colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and hernia repair. With expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction, he takes time to explain each step, so people feel supported through recovery.
Specialises in 13 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital34 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5188266Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - VK
Dr Victoria Kunene
Oncology
MBChB, MRCP, MSc
Dr Victoria Kunene is a Consultant Medical Oncologist providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She specialises in gastrointestinal cancers, including oesophageal, stomach, pancreatic, biliary and colorectal cancers and cancers of unknown primary. Using chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy where appropriate, she works closely with the wider team and provides clear, compassionate explanations so treatment plans feel personal, evidence based and well supported.
BirminghamThe Harborne Hospital28 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6044698Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included