Bowel Changes That Last? See a Colorectal Surgeon in Delhi

 You notice a little blood in the toilet bowl, or your bowel habits change for a few weeks. Many people blame piles or an upset stomach, and often they are right. Sometimes, though, the cause needs a proper check. In this guide, Dr. Aloy Mukherjee, a Consultant Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Jasola, Delhi, explains the warning signs, tests, and treatment options that a colorectal surgeon in Delhi may discuss with you.

Simplified diagram of the large intestine showing the colon and rectum


What Does a Colorectal Surgeon Treat?

Your colon, rectum, and anus form the last part of your digestive tract. A colorectal surgeon treats conditions that affect these organs, including:

  • Piles (haemorrhoids), anal fissure, and anal fistula
  • Colon polyps
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Diverticular disease
  • Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, when they need surgery
  • Rectal prolapse

Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

See a doctor if any of these last more than two to three weeks:

  • Blood in your stool or bleeding from the rectum
  • A new, lasting change in bowel habits, such as constipation or loose stools
  • Thin, pencil-like stools
  • A feeling that your bowel does not empty fully
  • Ongoing abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating
  • Unexplained weight loss or tiredness

Go to an emergency room right away if you have severe abdominal pain with vomiting and cannot pass stool or gas, heavy rectal bleeding, or fever with severe abdominal pain.

What Might Your Symptom Mean?

SymptomCommon benign causeWhy a doctor should check
Bright red blood after passing stoolPiles or anal fissurePolyps or cancer can cause similar bleeding
New constipation lasting weeksLow fibre, low water intake, medicines, or high blood calcium from an overactive parathyroid glandA growth can narrow the bowel
Loose stools with mucusInfection, irritable bowel, colitisInflammatory bowel disease needs treatment
Feeling of incomplete emptyingPiles, rectal prolapseRectal conditions need proper assessment

How Do Doctors Find the Cause?

A doctor starts with your history and a physical examination, including a rectal exam. Further tests may include:

  • Blood tests, including haemoglobin
  • Stool tests
  • Colonoscopy, which lets the doctor see inside the colon and remove polyps
  • CT scan or MRI, when needed

Doctors usually use sedation for a colonoscopy. Guidelines often advise screening colonoscopy from around 45 to 50 years of age, and earlier if close relatives had colon cancer or polyps. Your doctor will advise the right age for you.

When Does a Colorectal Problem Need Surgery?

Many problems improve with diet changes, medicines, or endoscopic procedures. Surgery becomes necessary for conditions such as colorectal cancer, large polyps that endoscopy cannot remove, complicated diverticular disease, fistulas, rectal prolapse, and severe inflammatory bowel disease.

Laparoscopic and Robotic Colorectal Surgery: What Is the Difference?

In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon operates through small cuts using a camera and thin instruments. In robotic colorectal surgery, the surgeon controls robotic arms from a console. The system provides a magnified 3D view and flexible instrument movement, which can help in narrow spaces such as the pelvis.

Not every patient qualifies for a minimally invasive approach. The surgeon chooses the approach after reviewing your diagnosis, scan reports, and previous surgeries.

What Happens After Surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure and your overall health. Your care team explains:

  • When you can start walking and eating
  • How to care for your wounds
  • How long you may need to stay in the hospital
  • Which follow-up visits and tests you need

Simple Habits for a Healthier Bowel

  • Eat fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and pulses.
  • Drink enough water through the day.
  • Walk or exercise daily.
  • Limit processed and red meat.
  • Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use.
  • Avoid straining and sitting for long on the toilet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blood in stool always cancer?
No. Piles and fissures cause many cases. Still, get tested, because some cancers cause the same symptom.

Do all colorectal problems need robotic surgery?
No. Many conditions respond to medicines or simpler procedures. Your surgeon decides the approach that suits your diagnosis.

What should I carry to a medical consultation?
Bring earlier reports, colonoscopy or scan reports, a list of your medicines, and a note on how long you have had the symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if symptoms last beyond two to three weeks or if you notice blood in your stool.

Related Reading

About the Author

Dr. Aloy J Mukherjee is a Consultant Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076. He practises general and minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Read more about colorectal surgery on his website.

Dr. Aloy J Mukherjee, MBBS, MS, MNAMS, FALS, FMAS, FIAGES | Reg. No. DMC-22291

Location: Apollo Hospital, Room No. 1265, Gate No. 10 2nd floor, Indraprastha, Jasola Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110076

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