You notice blood in your stool and immediately start worrying. Then you remember that you have also been dealing with constipation and abdominal discomfort for months. Instead of getting checked, you tell yourself it is probably piles and move on.
Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't. A colonoscopy can help doctors investigate the cause—and in selected cases, treat the problem during the same procedure.
A colonoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine the inside of the large intestine, including the colon and rectum.
When the procedure is therapeutic, the doctor can do more than simply look. Depending on the findings, certain polyps can be removed, bleeding can be treated, and some narrowed areas or other problems can be managed using specialised techniques.
This can save patients from needing a separate procedure for certain conditions.
A gastroenterologist may recommend colonoscopy when there is unexplained rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia, concerning findings on previous tests, or symptoms that require a closer look.
It may also be recommended for removal of suitable polyps or treatment of certain sources of bleeding.
The decision depends on your age, symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and previous test results.
Here is the advice we would challenge: assuming every instance of blood in the stool is haemorrhoids can be risky.
Piles are certainly a common cause of rectal bleeding, but they are not the only possible cause. If bleeding is recurrent, unexplained, or accompanied by other warning signs, it deserves proper medical assessment.
At the same time, seeing blood does not automatically mean something serious. The important thing is finding the cause instead of guessing.
One of the biggest advantages is that diagnosis and treatment can sometimes happen together.
A doctor may remove certain polyps using specialised instruments. Bleeding from selected sources can also be treated through endoscopic techniques.
If a suspicious area is found, a tissue sample may be taken for laboratory examination. The exact treatment depends on what the doctor finds and whether the abnormality is suitable for endoscopic management.
Preparation is an important part of colonoscopy. You will usually be given instructions about diet, bowel cleansing, medications, and fasting before the procedure.
During the examination, sedation or other comfort measures may be used depending on your medical situation and the facility where the procedure is performed.
Afterward, your doctor will explain the findings and whether additional treatment or follow-up is required.
We have seen patients who postponed evaluation because they believed occasional rectal bleeding was simply piles. When the bleeding continued, they eventually underwent proper assessment.
In cases where colonoscopy was appropriate, the examination helped identify the actual source and allowed suitable treatment when possible. The lesson is straightforward: don't spend months treating an assumption when a proper evaluation can provide an answer.
Colorectal conditions can range from harmless problems to conditions requiring significant treatment. Early investigation of persistent warning signs can make a meaningful difference.
A 2024 global analysis estimated that colorectal cancer accounted for more than 2 million new cases worldwide in 2022, reinforcing why unexplained bowel changes and bleeding should not simply be dismissed.
This does not mean every bowel symptom is cancer. It means persistent warning signs deserve the right medical evaluation.
Dr. Kshitiz Sharan is a gastroenterology specialist who evaluates and manages a broad range of digestive and intestinal conditions. His approach focuses on careful diagnosis and choosing procedures according to the patient's individual needs. For suitable patients, therapeutic endoscopy can provide both useful answers and treatment during the same procedure.
Colonoscopy is commonly performed with sedation or appropriate comfort measures. Your doctor will explain the process and preparation beforehand.
Yes. Many suitable colon polyps can be removed during colonoscopy, depending on their size, shape, location, and other clinical factors.
No. Haemorrhoids are one possible cause, but bleeding can have several other causes. Persistent or unexplained bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.
If you have recurring rectal bleeding, unexplained bowel changes, or another symptom that refuses to settle, don't keep assuming you know the cause. Speak with a qualified gastroenterologist and find out whether colonoscopy or another investigation is appropriate for you.
