5 Signs It’s Time to See a Colorectal Surgeon

When Bowel Changes, Bleeding, or Persistent Symptoms Deserve a Closer Look

When something changes with your bowel habits or you notice symptoms like rectal bleeding, it can be tempting to wait and see if the problem goes away on its own. Sometimes it does. But persistent or recurring symptoms can also be your body’s way of telling you that something needs a closer look.

And here’s something many patients don’t realize. Being referred to a colorectal surgeon doesn’t necessarily mean you need surgery.

Colorectal surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. While surgery is one part of their expertise, many conditions can be treated without an operation. The first step is determining what is causing your symptoms and what treatment (if any) is needed.

So, how do you know when it’s time to make an appointment? Here are five signs you shouldn’t ignore.

1. You’re Seeing Blood When You Go to the Bathroom

   Seeing blood in the toilet or on toilet paper can be alarming, but it doesn’t always mean something serious is wrong. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes of rectal bleeding.

   However, bleeding can also occur with diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and other gastrointestinal conditions. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that lower gastrointestinal bleeding can have a variety of causes, which is why it’s important not to assume hemorrhoids are responsible without an evaluation.¹

   If rectal bleeding is new, keeps happening, increases, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s

   time to talk with a physician.

   Significant bleeding (particularly if accompanied by dizziness, fainting, weakness, shortness of breath, or black, tarry stools) requires more urgent medical attention.

2. Your Bowel Habits Have Changed and Aren’t Returning to Normal

   Everyone experiences occasional constipation or diarrhea. A change that lasts, keeps returning, or is noticeably different from what’s normal for you deserves more attention.

   You might notice:

   • Persistent constipation or diarrhea
   • A change in the frequency or appearance of your bowel movements
   • Difficulty passing stool or feeling as though you haven’t completely emptied
   • Increasing urgency or difficulty controlling bowel movements
   • A combination of bowel changes with abdominal discomfort or bleeding

   There are many possible explanations, ranging from relatively minor problems to conditions that require treatment. The goal isn’t to assume the worst. It’s to determine why the change is happening rather than continuing to live with it or trying to manage the symptoms on your own.

3. You Have Persistent Abdominal or Rectal Pain

   Occasional digestive discomfort happens to almost everyone. Pain that doesn’t go away, or repeatedly returns, is different.

   Persistent abdominal pain may be associated with conditions such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, or other disorders of the colon. Pain around the anus or rectum may be related to hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, fistulas, or other anorectal conditions.

   This is an area where getting the right diagnosis matters. Treating what you think is a hemorrhoid, for example, won’t help if the actual problem is a fissure, abscess, or something else entirely.

   A colorectal evaluation can identify the source of the discomfort and help determine the most appropriate treatment.

4. You’ve Had Repeated Episodes of Diverticulitis

   One episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis does not automatically mean you need surgery. Many people recover with conservative treatment and never experience another attack.

   But if diverticulitis keeps returning, becomes more severe, or begins interfering with your ability to work, travel, eat normally, or simply live without worrying about the next flare, it’s reasonable to meet with a colorectal surgeon. You should also be evaluated if diverticulitis has resulted in complications such as an abscess, fistula, stricture, bowel obstruction, or perforation.

   The decision about surgery is individualized. Rather than simply counting the number of attacks you’ve had, a surgeon can consider the severity of your disease, your overall health, imaging findings, previous treatments, and how diverticulitis is affecting your quality of life.

5. You Have Symptoms You Can’t Explain (or That Aren’t Getting Better)

   Sometimes there isn’t one dramatic symptom. Instead, you simply know something has changed.

   Perhaps you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, recurring abdominal discomfort, bleeding, or a combination of symptoms that haven’t improved despite treatment.

   The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons advises that symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss warrant medical attention, even if you are up to date with colorectal cancer screening.²

   That’s an important distinction. Screening is designed for people without symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms, being told your last colonoscopy was normal doesn’t necessarily mean a new problem should be ignored.

What Happens When You See a Colorectal Surgeon?

For many patients, the words “colorectal surgeon” immediately bring surgery to mind. But an appointment doesn’t automatically lead to an operation.

Your visit typically begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, previous testing, medications, and family history. Depending on the problem, additional examination, imaging, colonoscopy, or other testing may be recommended.

A colorectal surgeon can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Diverticulitis and diverticular disease
• Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, and abscesses
• Colon and rectal polyps or cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions affecting the colon and rectum

And when surgery is the best option, seeing a surgeon with extensive experience in colorectal and minimally invasive procedures becomes especially important.

Dr. Hesham Atwa has extensive experience performing complex abdominal and colorectal procedures, including advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. When appropriate, minimally invasive techniques can allow surgeons to perform complex procedures through smaller incisions, often helping patients experience less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to everyday activities.

Just as important, Dr. Hesham Atwa’s goal is not simply to determine whether he can operate, but whether surgery is truly the right treatment for the individual patient.

Don’t Let Embarrassment Keep You From Getting Answers

Bowel movements, hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, and changes in bathroom habits aren’t exactly comfortable conversations. But they’re everyday conversations for colorectal specialists.

If something has changed, persists, or simply doesn’t feel right, don’t let embarrassment (or fear of what you might find) keep you from getting evaluated.

Many colorectal conditions are highly treatable, particularly when they’re identified early. And sometimes the greatest benefit of an appointment is simply finding out what’s wrong and learning that the solution may be much simpler than you feared.

If you’re experiencing persistent bowel changes, rectal bleeding, recurrent diverticulitis, abdominal or rectal pain, or other concerning symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hesham Atwa to get the answers you need and determine the right next step for you. You can schedule an appointment or request more information at https://journeytothenewyou.com/contact-us/.

Contact Us