Rectal Bleeding
Assessment & Diagnosis in Christchurch

Rectal bleeding can arise from anywhere in the digestive tract. Common causes we investigate include:

• Haemorrhoids (Piles): Dilated blood vessels in the rectum that often cause bright red blood on toilet paper on wiping.

• Anal Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, often associated with pain during bowel movements.

• Colon Polyps: Pre-cancerous growths that may bleed intermittently as they grow.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease.

• Diverticular Disease: Small pouches in the bowel wall that can sometimes bleed significantly.

• Colorectal Cancer: Early detection through specialist investigation is the key to successful treatment.

While all bleeding should be discussed with your healthcare provider, certain red flag bowel symptoms indicate a more urgent need for a colonoscopy:

• Dark rectal bleeding, mixed with stools 

• A persistent change in bowel habits (e.g., looser or more frequent stools).

• Unexplained weight loss or constant fatigue (signs of anaemia).

• A family history of bowel cancer or polyps.

• Abdominal pain or a lump in the puku (tummy).

A positive FIT test detects "occult" blood— i.e. microscopic traces you cannot see with the naked eye. Visible rectal bleeding, on the other hand, is an "alarm symptom" that often requires more urgent prioritisation.

Whether your bleeding is visible or was only detected through a screening kit, both results require a specialist colonoscopy to identify the source. At Canterbury Endoscopy & Gastroenterology, we offer prompt private appointments for both symptomatic patients and those with positive FIT tests.