01
Blood in the stool
Bleeding may be caused by haemorrhoids, fissures or other conditions. Its appearance alone cannot establish the cause; discuss new or recurrent bleeding with a doctor.
Colorectal cancer · Screening · Surgery
Colorectal Cancer Specialist & GI Surgeon in BengaluruDr. Ritesh Anand · MCh Surgical Gastroenterology
I am Dr. Ritesh Anand, MCh GI & colorectal surgeon at Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, Mathikere, Bengaluru. This website provides information about colorectal symptoms, investigations and treatment options. Individual care requires a clinical assessment.
Educational checklist only. It does not diagnose cancer or calculate your risk.
Dr. Ritesh Anand
MCh GI & Colorectal Surgeon · Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, Bengaluru
Symptoms
Bowel symptoms have many possible causes. A clinical assessment helps determine whether investigation is needed.
Investigations
Colonoscopy, biopsy and imaging answer different questions and are recommended according to individual findings.
Treatment
Treatment depends on diagnosis, stage, general health and patient preferences. Benefits, alternatives and risks should be discussed.
Start here
Bowel symptoms and screening: a discussion checklist.
Educational checklist
Tick anything that is true for you.
Answers are not sent or stored. This is not a validated risk calculator or diagnostic test.
Why this exists
Preparing for a discussion about bowel health
Symptoms can have many causes. Note what changed, when it started and any relevant family history. This checklist does not decide whether you need colonoscopy.
The five
Bowel symptoms that may need medical assessment.
02
Persistent changes in bowel habit
A persistent change in frequency, consistency or urgency warrants medical assessment. Seek advice sooner if it occurs with bleeding, pain or other concerning symptoms.
03
Unexplained weight loss
Unintentional weight loss has many possible causes. A clinician can assess it alongside your symptoms, medical history and examination.
04
Anaemia or persistent fatigue
Anaemia, fatigue and breathlessness have several possible causes, including blood loss. Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia needs assessment.
05
Symptoms in younger adults
Colorectal cancer can occur before age 50. Age alone does not exclude it; the need for investigations depends on symptoms, examination and personal risk.
These symptoms do not establish a cancer diagnosis. Consult a qualified doctor for new, recurrent or persistent symptoms; severe symptoms may need urgent care.
In 60 seconds
Short vertical answers to the questions people are too embarrassed to ask.
Blood in the stool is not always piles
Clip coming soon
Blood in the stool is not always piles
Possible causes of bleeding and why appearance alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
What a colonoscopy actually feels like
Clip coming soon
What a colonoscopy actually feels like
Preparation, sedation options, comfort and procedural risks.
Under 45 and bleeding?
Clip coming soon
Under 45 and bleeding?
Age alone does not exclude cancer; concerning symptoms need assessment.
Will I end up with a permanent bag?
Clip coming soon
Will I end up with a permanent bag?
Stoma requirements depend on tumour extent, anatomy, function and treatment.
Clinical focus
What I treat, and how.
Colonoscopy & polypectomy
Colonoscopy examines the bowel; selected polyps can be removed and tested.
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Laparoscopic & robotic colorectal surgery
Minimally invasive options for selected colon and rectal conditions; suitability and risks vary.
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Sphincter-preserving rectal surgery
Where anatomy and staging allow, surgery planned around keeping you out of a permanent stoma.
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Complex & recurrent disease
Multidisciplinary planning for locally advanced, recurrent, or previously operated cases.
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Stoma care & reversal
Stoma care, possible complications and individual assessment for reversal.
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Second opinions
Bring your reports. You get a clear read of your stage, your options and what each one actually costs you in daily life.
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What a visit feels like
No jargon wall. No decisions made over your head.
First
You are heard, then examined
History, symptoms, family risk, and what you are actually afraid of.
Then
You see your own scan
Findings are explained on the screen, in plain language, with the trade-offs named.
Then
A plan with a timeline
What happens, when, who else is involved, and what recovery realistically looks like.
After
You are not discharged into silence
Follow-up, surveillance intervals and a route back if something changes.
The doctor
Dr. Ritesh Anand
MCh GI & Colorectal Surgeon · Specialist in Colorectal Cancer & Advanced Proctology
QualificationsMCh Surgical Gastroenterology (SVIMS, Tirupati) · MS General Surgery (VIMS) · MBBS
Current practiceSenior & Lead Colorectal Surgeon, Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, Mathikere, Bengaluru
Core skillsRobotic surgery · Laparoscopic surgery · Colorectal surgery
Special interestColorectal cancer, advanced proctology, organ preservation
“Nobody comes to a colorectal surgeon casually. By the time you are reading this, you have already been worrying for a while.”
I trained in general surgery at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences and then in surgical gastroenterology at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati — three years spent almost entirely inside complex gastrointestinal and colorectal work. Today I lead colorectal surgery at Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology in Bengaluru.
My practice sits at the intersection of three things: robotic and laparoscopic technique, oncological completeness, and organ preservation. Keyhole access matters because recovery matters. But no approach is worth choosing if it compromises the margin — and none of it is worth much if the disease arrives late.
Smiles is built around Service, Compassion, Ethics, Excellence and Transparency, and the part of that list I care about most in practice is transparency: you should leave knowing your stage, your options, and what each one actually costs you in daily life.
Early diagnosis saves lives. That is not a slogan here — it is the entire reason this page exists.
The journal
Colorectal health articles for patients and families.
Symptoms · 18 August 2026
Blood in the stool: causes and when to seek medical advice
Rectal bleeding has several causes. Assessment, rather than appearance alone, helps establish the cause.
Risk · 4 August 2026
Colorectal cancer under 50: symptoms and assessment
Younger age does not exclude colorectal cancer. Persistent or concerning symptoms need individual assessment.
Procedures · 21 July 2026
Colonoscopy: preparation, procedure and risks
What to discuss before colonoscopy, including preparation, sedation, polyp removal and aftercare.
For medical professionals
If you are the doctor seeing the patient first, this section is for you.
Red-flag algorithms for rectal bleeding and early-onset disease, illustrative teaching scenarios, operative footage for peers, and a direct line for discussing a case that does not read cleanly — no obligation to transfer care.
Red-flag study guides
Treat vs. scope decision paths for primary care.
Teaching scenarios
Assessment, options and clinical limitations.
Robotic video library
Technique in the narrow pelvis, peer access on request.
Peer-to-peer discussion
Imaging reviews and sphincter-preservation questions.
Consultation
Consultation information
In-person and video consultations. Second opinions welcome — send your colonoscopy report, biopsy and scans in advance and the appointment starts further ahead.
HospitalSmiles Institute of Gastroenterology, Mathikere, Bengaluru
Phone+91 90714 19988
Emailriteshanand95@gmail.com
Availability & feesPlease contact the hospital to confirm
Emergencies are not handled by this page. For heavy bleeding, severe pain or an inability to pass stool or gas, go to the nearest emergency department.