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.

man holding stomach in pain

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.

Abdominal health

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.

woman flushing toilet

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.

female doctor explaining results to female patient

See what our patients have to say

I was struggling with hemorrhoids, doctors treated promptly and safely. Dr Runau got excellent experience

Patient of Franscois Runau

I have always felt that mr Runau has treated me with great respect, has always listened and delt with my situation with care. One of the most nicest doctors I have delt with, would not hesitate to recommend, or go to again.

Patient of Franscois Runau

From referral to surgery was dealt with quickly and efficiently, and with complete professionalism. I am very happy with the outcome and service.

Patient of Chokkalingam Arun

Mr Ward was really warm, gave me lots of time, let me ask lots of questions and very clearly has a lot of expertise in his field

Patient of Stephen Ward

Great surgical experience and service provided by Dr Arun. The lived experience was more extreme than I had anticipated in terms of immediate post operative on ward, but thats likely on me to ask more questions but until you are going through, maybe its better not to know too much. Dr Arun made time to answer the questions asked pre and post operatively, I'm really grateful and am making a good recovery. I'd have no hesitation to go through it again if that was needed and I'd highly recommend Dr Arun of I knew someone needed similar to me. Thank you for what you do.

Patient of Chokkalingam Arun

Mr Richardson is an exceptional doctor, he is very empathetic and listens carefully to your concerns. I have had quite complex issues and he is very thorough with any investigations. I have found my consultations extremely helpful with my health issues.

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

I came in for an inguinal hernia surgery. Despite how busy the hospital was on the date, I was quickly accommodated, and had my pre op work done. The staff were very friendly and explained everything that I needed to expect. I was kept informed throughout my sta all the way through my surgery

Patient of Stephen Ward

Excellent experience with my laparoscopic hernia repair which was challenging due to how advanced the hernia had become (scrotal) as a result of the NHS letting me down. Mr Stellakis is both immensely skilled and very personable to boot. Thanks!

Patient of Michael Stellakis

Quick and efficient

Patient of Stephen Ward

Really pleased with how everything went. Hospital staff were all polite and attentive and procedure seemed to go very well (no discomfort). Sandwich was also very nice!

Patient of Simon Radley
Bowel experts

Meet our specialisrs

  • SR

    Mr Simon Radley

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MB CHB, MD, FRCS

    Available from 12/10/2025

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Droitwich Spa Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    5.00 • 83 Reviews
    40 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 3063565
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SP

    Mr Steve Pandey

    General Surgery, Colorectal

    MBBS, FRCS (Gen Surgery)

    Available from 12/11/2025

    Mr Steve Pandey is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at Spire South Bank Hospital (Worcester). He specialises in bowel cancer surgery and advanced keyhole colorectal procedures, including minimally invasive treatments for haemorrhoids, fistulas and pilonidal disease. Known for his calm, compassionate approach, he explains options clearly and supports patients with personalised, evidence-based care throughout treatment.

    Specialises in 9 procedures

    • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • Umbilical Hernia Repair
    • Banding of Haemorrhoids
    • Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
    See full profile
    Worcestershire
    Spire South Bank Hospital
    29 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 5208300
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SA

    Ms Sarah Addison

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)

    Available from 12/12/2025

    Miss 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, pelvic floor problems 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    5.00 • 2 Reviews
    29 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 4291798
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SW

    Mr Stephen Ward

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS

    Available from 12/12/2025

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    The Harborne Hospital
    The Priory Hospital
    5.00 • 5 Reviews
    22 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6075264
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • RL

    Mr Richard Lovegrove

    General Surgery, Colorectal

    MB BS MD FRCS

    Available from 12/13/2025

    Mr Richard Lovegrove is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon providing private care at Spire South Bank Hospital (Worcester) and The Droitwich Spa Hospital (Droitwich). He specialises in colorectal surgery, hernias, haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease. With expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, he helps people understand their options and feel confident that investigations and treatment are safe and tailored to their needs.

    Specialises in 9 procedures

    • Umbilical Hernia Repair
    • Banding of Haemorrhoids
    • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    See full profile
    Droitwich
    Spire South Bank Hospital
    The Droitwich Spa Hospital
    5.00 • 8 Reviews
    25 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 4718653
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • UI

    Mr Ugochukwu Ihedioha

    General Surgery, Colorectal

    MB BCh, FRCS, MD

    Available from 12/18/2025

    Mr Ugochukwu Ihedioha is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at Three Shires Hospital (Northampton). He specialises in minimally invasive surgery for bowel symptoms, colorectal cancer and hernias. He also treats haemorrhoids and other benign anorectal problems. Patients describe him as clear and considerate; he explains diagnoses and options carefully, so treatment feels safe and tailored to individual needs.

    Specialises in 10 procedures

    • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • Banding of Haemorrhoids
    • Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
    See full profile
    Northampton
    Three Shires Hospital
    5.00 • 1 Review
    26 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 5205493
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • CA

    Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)

    Available from 12/19/2025

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    33 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 5188266
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • MC

    Ms Melissa Cunha

    General Surgery, Colorectal

    MD, PhD, FRCS

    Miss 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.

    The Harborne Hospital
    The Priory Hospital
    25 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6038405
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included

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Frequently Asked Questions