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Lower intestinal bleeding
If you experience lower intestinal bleeding, our gastroenterology experts are able to diagnose and treat you
About
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a condition in your digestive tract. In contrast to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, LGIB originates in the small bowel and colon area. Symptoms range from passing blood in your faeces to severe abdominal pains. It can be mild or very serious. Our gastroenterologists can help to diagnose and treat you.
Need to know
Symptoms of LGIB might include:
It is also possible for LGIB to originate from the digestive conditions such as:
- Maroon coloured faeces. This may result from bleeding on the right side of the colon
- Passing bright red blood through the anus. This can be from bleeding on the left side of the colon
- Dark coloured faeces with bleeding in the cecal (pouch at the beginning of the large intestine)
It is also possible for LGIB to originate from the digestive conditions such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Diverticulosis
- Haemorrhoids
- Colon polyps
- Peptic ulcers
- Cancerous tumours
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose LGIB include:
- Colonoscopy. A long and thin tube with a camera is passed through your anus, showing video images of your colon and bowels
- Radionuclide scans. A radionuclide chemical is injected into a vein. Diseased cells in the lower intestine are picked up by the chemical and release gamma rays to a gamma camera
- Angiography. A contrast dye inserted into your artery detects bleeding vessels through an X-ray
- Blood tests
- Endoscopic ultrasound. An ultrasound probe attached to an endoscope examines tissues in your digestive tract
Your consultant will discuss your treatment options and help to determine the best approach for you. Treatment options might include:
- Endoscopic thermal probes can burn blood vessels around the intestine. This helps stop bleeding ulcers. This is also possible by injecting special fluids or glue in this area
- Endoscopic clips to close bleeding vessels
- Special endoscopic bands to tie bleeding hemorrhoids and vessels
- Angiographic embolization blocks blood vessels by inserting particles into them
- In some cases, surgery may be required to remove part of your intestine. Your consultant will discuss this procedure in detail with you
Our Lower intestinal bleeding consultants
Dr Oliver Guttmann
Cardiology
Mr Christian Brown
Urology
Mr Tev Aho
Urology
Dr Oliver Segal
Cardiology
Our Lower intestinal bleeding locations
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
41 Welbeck Street
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.