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
Richard is an excellent and highly competent surgeon, working to the highest standards; from the initial consultation he listened and took on board my concerns as well as how I wished to progress moving forward. He clearly explained the various options, which was reassuring. Overall, a first-rate experience end to end. He is a leading expert in his field and would recommend Richard to any patient for consultation or treatment in this area.
— Patient of Richard LovegroveFrom my initial consultation through my operation and then final check up after surgery everything was first class
— Patient of Chokkalingam ArunVery clear and articulate and friendly manner
— Patient of Stephen WardWas recommended Mr Adeyemo by the Upper GI nurse at Hereford County Hospital. Had my initial consultation with him on 30th September when he recommended gallbladder removal. Found him very calming and knowledgeable at my first appointment and knew I’d made the right choice by picking him for my procedure. Was then booked in for the operation on 27th October, when I woke I had minimal pain and absolutely no gas pains. Recovery was good and went back to see him just over 7 weeks after the op to be checked over where he was pleased with my recovery and was happy to answer any questions I had. Overall I would highly recommend Mr Adeyemo and also found his secretary Alison extremely helpful wherever I needed to contact her for help or advise.
— Patient of Dayo AdeyemoI was struggling with hemorrhoids, doctors treated promptly and safely. Dr Runau got excellent experience
— Patient of Franscois RunauI 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 RunauFrom 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 ArunMr 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 WardGreat 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 ArunMr 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 RichardsonRichard is an excellent and highly competent surgeon, working to the highest standards; from the initial consultation he listened and took on board my concerns as well as how I wished to progress moving forward. He clearly explained the various options, which was reassuring. Overall, a first-rate experience end to end. He is a leading expert in his field and would recommend Richard to any patient for consultation or treatment in this area.
— Patient of Richard LovegroveFrom my initial consultation through my operation and then final check up after surgery everything was first class
— Patient of Chokkalingam ArunVery clear and articulate and friendly manner
— Patient of Stephen WardWas recommended Mr Adeyemo by the Upper GI nurse at Hereford County Hospital. Had my initial consultation with him on 30th September when he recommended gallbladder removal. Found him very calming and knowledgeable at my first appointment and knew I’d made the right choice by picking him for my procedure. Was then booked in for the operation on 27th October, when I woke I had minimal pain and absolutely no gas pains. Recovery was good and went back to see him just over 7 weeks after the op to be checked over where he was pleased with my recovery and was happy to answer any questions I had. Overall I would highly recommend Mr Adeyemo and also found his secretary Alison extremely helpful wherever I needed to contact her for help or advise.
— Patient of Dayo AdeyemoI was struggling with hemorrhoids, doctors treated promptly and safely. Dr Runau got excellent experience
— Patient of Franscois RunauI 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 RunauFrom 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 ArunMr 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 WardGreat 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 ArunMr 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 RichardsonMeet our specialisrs
- SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 1/13/2026Mr 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
The Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 6 Reviews23 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SP
Mr Steve Pandey
General Surgery, Colorectal
MBBS, FRCS (Gen Surgery)
Available from 1/13/2026Mr 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
WorcestershireSpire South Bank Hospital30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5208300Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - CA
Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe
Colorectal, General Surgery
MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)
Available from 1/16/2026Mr 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 Hospital34 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5188266Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SA
Ms Sarah Addison
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Available from 1/16/2026Miss 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, 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
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital5.00 • 2 Reviews30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4291798Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SR
Mr Simon Radley
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB CHB, MD, FRCS
Available from 1/16/2026Mr 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 Hospital5.00 • 83 Reviews41 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 3063565Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - RL
Mr Richard Lovegrove
General Surgery, Colorectal
MB BS MD FRCS
Available from 1/26/2026Mr 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
DroitwichSpire South Bank HospitalThe Droitwich Spa Hospital5.00 • 9 Reviews26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4718653Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - UI
Mr Ugochukwu Ihedioha
General Surgery, Colorectal
MB BCh, FRCS, MD
Available from 1/29/2026Mr 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
NorthamptonThree Shires Hospital5.00 • 1 Review27 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5205493Book AppointmentFree 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 HospitalThe Priory Hospital26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included