Complex Pelvic Floor Disorders
Dr. Asif Mehraj has a special interest in the treatment of complex pelvic floor disorders, including chronic constipation, bowel incontinence, rectovaginal fistula and rectal prolapse. He is experienced in endoanal ultrasound scanning, used to diagnose sphincter injury and anal fistula, and offers the full range of advanced pelvic floor procedures, including sacral nerve stimulation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is long-term inflammation of the digestive tract that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and bleeding. Management is usually led by a gastroenterologist, with surgery, including laparoscopic surgery, considered for complications or when medical treatment is not enough to control the disease.
Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation is infrequent or difficult bowel movements lasting weeks or longer, often linked to diet, hydration or, less commonly, an underlying condition. Investigation is recommended when constipation persists despite lifestyle changes, or when it is accompanied by bleeding, weight loss or a family history of colorectal disease.
Colorectal Cancer Screening & Treatment
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum, which often develops slowly and can be picked up early through screening before symptoms appear.
Signs Worth Getting Checked
- Persistent rectal bleeding
- A lasting change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Narrow or pencil-thin stools
- Persistent abdominal pain or a feeling of incomplete emptying
Most of these symptoms have common, non-cancerous causes, such as piles or an anal fissure. However, they should never be ignored, since an early, accurate diagnosis is what makes colorectal cancer more straightforward to treat. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination, colonoscopy and, where needed, further imaging, and treatment ranges from surgery, including laparoscopic options, to referral for wider oncology care where appropriate.
Bowel Incontinence & Childbirth Injuries
Bowel incontinence is difficulty controlling gas or stool, which can follow childbirth-related injury to the pelvic floor or anal muscles, among other causes. It is a common condition, though many patients delay seeking care out of embarrassment. Treatment ranges from pelvic floor therapy to surgical repair, depending on the cause and extent of the injury, and consultations are handled with the privacy and sensitivity this topic deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bleeding is most often caused by common, treatable conditions such as piles or an anal fissure. However, any rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a specialist, since it is the only way to rule out more serious causes, including colorectal cancer.
Yes. Treatment ranges from pelvic floor therapy to surgical repair, depending on the cause and extent of the injury. Many patients see meaningful improvement with the right treatment plan.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder that does not cause inflammation or damage to the bowel, while inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract. The two are managed differently, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Constipation that persists despite dietary and lifestyle changes, or that comes with bleeding, weight loss or a family history of colorectal disease, should be evaluated by a specialist.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, Dr. Asif Mehraj can help you understand what is causing them and what to do next.
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