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Led by consultant colorectal surgeons Richard Molloy and Ahmed Alani, our colorectal specialists have expertise in diagnostic, screening and therapeutic colonoscopy. They have extensive experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery & minimally invasive surgery (MIS) including keyhole surgery, to facilitate enhanced recovery, even after major surgeries.

With years of experience as Consultant Colorectal & General surgeons, we can deliver the most advanced surgical techniques for the best care of both benign bowel problems and colon cancer. Our expertise covers the investigation and surgery on patients with both simple and complex anorectal, bowel  & colon problems.

Bowel /colorectal conditions and diseases

The Glasgow Colorectal Centre based at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow.

Our aim is to provide the highest quality medical care, providing a leading edge service to treat the complete range of benign and malignant colorectal disorders. We use the latest technology and techniques to enable rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of both basic and complex bowel problems and anorectal disorders.

An anal fissure is a small tear, cut or crack in the skin that lines the anus (back passage). Although anal fissures may occur at any age, most commonly they occur in children and young adults. Anal fissures can cause severe pain and rectal bleeding or blood in stools when passing a bowel motion.

Treatment aims to avoid constipation by increasing fibre and using laxatives to soften the stool. Special creams such as Rectogesic (GTN ointment) and Anoheal (diltiazem) can relieve pain and spasm and can speed healing. Most fissures settle with medical treatment but occasionally, an operation may be necessary. Injection of the anus with Botox can help relieve spasm and induce healing. Occasionally, a sphincterotomy operation (small cut in the anal sphincter muscle) is required to heal a chronic fissure.. For more information see here……..

Anal cancers are unusual tumours arising from the skin or mucosa of the anal canal. As with most cancers, early detection is associated with excellent survival. Most tumours are well treated with combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recurrences may occur but often can be treated successfully. Follow the recommended screening examinations for anal and colorectal cancer and consult your doctor early if you develop any of the symptoms. For more information see here….

Anogenital warts are caused by a virus that can be passed on by close sexual contact. Treatment options include direct application of chemicals or physical treatments such as freezing or surgery to destroy the warts. If you have anogenital warts, it is advisable to be checked for other sexually transmitted infections. For more information see here….

An anal (perianal) abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. An anal fistula is a track or tunnel between the skin on outside of the buttock/anal area and the anal canal on the inside. There are many different types of fistulae from relatively simple to a complex branching network of tracks. Some fistulae may involve the muscles responsible for bowel control. For more information see here….

Anal skin tags are excess skin growths that usually occur at the anal opening, where the inside of the anorectal canal joins with the outside of the body. They are not contagious  and are very common, often found in connection with other anal conditions. However due  to where they are located they can be mistaken with other anal conditions such as anal warts and haemorrhoids. For more information see here….

Bowel (colonic) polyps are small non-cancerous (benign) growths on the inside lining of the colon or back passage (rectum). They are common in older people. They usually cause no symptoms or problems. However, if a polyp is found, it is usually removed. This is because there is a small risk of a bowel polyp developing into a bowel cancer after several years. For more information see here….

Bowel problems are very common in both the young and the old. Typical symptoms include diarrhea (diarrhoea), constipation, IBS symptoms, blood in stool (rectal bleeding), bleeding from anus, anal itch, irritation & anal pain. Bowel problems such as these are a common cause for patients seeking medical advice.  

Not infrequently, piles or hemorrhoids are incorrectly blamed for many of these symptoms. Most problems are due to benign, easily treated conditions. However, it is important not to ignore symptoms and early assessment is important as both serious and simple benign conditions may present with similar symptoms. For more information see here……..

Constipation is a symptom that has different meanings to different individuals. Most commonly, it refers to infrequent bowel movements, but it may also refer to a decrease in the volume or weight of stool, the need to strain to have a movement, a sense of incomplete evacuation, or the need for enemas, suppositories or laxatives in order to maintain regularity. For more information see here……..

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the bowel or gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation tends to come and go over time. Symptoms vary, depending on the part of the bowel or intestine is affected and the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness and generally feeling unwell (malaise). Crohn’s disease is usually treated with drugs to control the inflammation.

 Surgery may be required to deal with complications of the disease (e.g. abscess formation or bowel blockage) or if medication is not effectively controlling the disease. Neither medication nor surgery can currently “cure” the disease but treatment is generally effective and allows most people with Crohn’s disease to live a normal life with relatively minor limitations . For more information see here……..

Diverticular disease of the colon is a common condition that afflicts about 50 percent of Scottish adults by age 60 and nearly all by age 80. It develops when the bowel develops small pouches or diverticula. It mostly develops due to wear and tear on the bowel. In the majority of people, these do not give rise to any symptoms. However, some people may experience pain, inflammation, altered bowel function and occasionally, additional complications. Treatment depends on symptoms and ranges from a simple high fibre diet when the disease is causing minimal symptoms to antibiotics when there is infection (diverticulitis). Surgery is required very rarely for complications such as perforation or fistula formation. For more information see here……..

Faecal incontinence is the inability to control passing wind or stools (faeces) through the anus. It is a common & embarrassing problem that ranges from anal leakage to complete loss of control of the bowel motion. Few people consider discussing the condition with their doctor, friends or family. There are a number of different causes and treatments, ranging from changes in diet, medication, physiotherapy & biofeedback to surgery. A colorectal specialist will be able to perform an assessment to identify the cause and suggest treatment options. For more information see here……..

Haemorrhoids (piles) are swellings that contain enlarged and swollen blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum (back passage). Haemorrhoids are a common problem affecting up to 50% of adults at some point in their life. Symptoms range from temporary and mild, to persistent and painful. In many cases, haemorrhoids are small and symptoms settle down without treatment. If required, treatment is usually effective. For more information see here……..

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of long-term conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gut). Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis are the two commonest causes of IBD. Patients with IBD have inflammation of the intestine, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain,  weight loss and other problems. Medication does not cure IBD but can suppress inflammation and keep symptoms at bay. If medical therapy fails to control the symptoms, or if certain complications occur, surgery may be required. For more information see here……..

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common & distressing problem, which causes recurrent abdominal pain & discomfort. It is usually accompanied by alteration in bowel function, diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. There are a number of different causes and treatment options.   For more information see here……..

This is a common condition in which a person (typically female) cannot empty their bowel properly. As a result, they may go to the toilet repeatedly or try manoeuvres such as supporting the perineum to help the bowel motion come out through the anus. It is often due to weakness in the pelvic floor. A colorectal specialist assessment will usually be able to identify  the cause. Treatments differ according to the underlying problem. For more information see here……..

 Pruritus ani is a very common condition that gives rise to strong desire to itch around the anal area. An irresistible urge to scratch may result. In most cases, there is not specific reason why this condition develops, although it can occur in association with certain bowel problems and with some skin conditions. Proper assessment and treatment usually gives good relief of symptoms. For more information see here……..

A pilonidal sinus is the tract or small tunnel which contains hairs. Most commonly these occur underneath the skin between the buttocks (the natal cleft). They may become infected and can give rise to an abscess or discharge from the area. Many can be managed conservatively by keeping the area clear of hair etc, although surgery may be necessary either to drain an acute abscess or because of chronic symptoms. For more information see here……..

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which part or all of the rec­tal wall pro­trudes out of the anus. Weakness of the anal sphincter muscles can occur with a prolapsed bowel, resulting in leakage of stool or mucus. While the condition occurs in both sexes, it is much more common in women than men. Surgery has a high success rate and can be performed using keyhole surgery through the abdomen (rectopexy) or directly on the prolapse at the anus (DeLorme’s procedure). Impaired control may also improve with successful repair of the prolapse. For more information see here……..

Bowel or colorectal cancer (also called cancer of the colon or rectal cancer) is the third most common cancer in Scotland. Every year in Scotland, almost 4,000 people are diagnosed with the disease. Most cases occur in people over 50 years of age. Although bowel cancer is common, it is also very treatable if detected early. When bowel cancer is detected in it’s early stages, there’s more than a 90% chance of successful treatment. The sooner it’s caught, the easier it is to treat. For more information see here….