What is Proctology?
Proctology refers to the study, investigation, and treatment focused on the bottom part of the gastrointestinal tract. Since it participates in several processes that result in the performance of critical bodily activities, the gastrointestinal tract is regarded as the most important system in the human body. Therefore, a single mistake at any stage of the procedure could result in a disruption of stomach function and pain or discomfort.
What is Proctologist?
A proctologist is a surgeon who specializes in identifying and treating conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. As of now, proctologists are often referred to as “colorectal surgeons” or “colon and rectal surgeons.”.
Proctologists collaborate closely with gastroenterologists, sometimes referred to as GI specialists, who offer comprehensive care for digestive system diseases. While proctologists all have surgical training, gastroenterologists are only trained to do colonoscopies.
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What types of conditions do they treat?
Intestinal disorders are treated by colorectal surgeons. The tract is made up of the colon, the rectum, the anal canal, and the perianal region. among the conditions affecting the digestive system
โ Fistulas and abscesses. These infections are found close to the anus and rectum.
โ Anal skin growths. These are little skin lumps that surround the anus.
โ Rectal and colon cancer. The colon or rectum is where this cancer develops.
โ Diverticulitis. Pouches develop in vulnerable locations along the digestive tract as a result of this condition.
โ Fissures. These tiny rips in the anal lining are present.
โ Hemorrhoids. Around the anus, these enlarged veins might be internal or exterior.
โ Colitis of the bowels (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two inflammatory illnesses that fall within the IBD umbrella.
โ Rheumatoid bowel syndrome (IBS). Bloating, cramps, constipation, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms associated with IBS, a collection of digestive symptoms unrelated to IBD.
โ Polyps. These growths are precancerous and may develop into colorectal cancer.
recti prolapse In this situation, the rectum starts to slide into the anal orifice from its original position.
Additionally, colorectal surgeons are capable of treating STIs, such as
โ chlamydia
โ genital herpes
โ gonorrhea
โ syphilis
What types of procedures do Proctologists do?
A variety of diagnostic procedures and surgical treatments can be performed on individuals with colorectal cancer by colorectal surgeons. They frequently do the following operations:
โ Anoscopy: This technique aids in locating anomalies in the rectum and anus.
โ Endoscopic colonoscopy: During this operation, a specialist looks at the entire colon and checks for colorectal cancer. They could also get rid of polyps.
โ Digital rectal exams: During this type of physical examination, the doctor uses their fingertips to feel the prostate and lower rectum.
โ Endorectal ultrasonography is a type of imaging examination that could help with the detection of colorectal cancer.
โ Proctoscopy: This procedure involves looking at the rectum and anus, removing polyps, and gathering tissue for biopsies.
โ Sigmoidoscopy: During this procedure, your doctor will examine the sigmoid colon, the lower portion of your colon.
When do I need to see a proctologist?
The majority of people are unaware of the circumstances that can require a visit to a proctologist, despite the fact that these specifically educated medical professionals handle a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. However, there are numerous reasons for individuals of any age to visit a proctologist for care.
A proctologist typically addresses diseases that are discovered through routine visits to a primary care physician. Your laboratory and clinical data are continually evaluated by primary care physicians to identify any potential issues early in their development.
The following are some of the most typical conditions for which your primary healthcare practitioner would suggest seeing a proctologist:
โ Itching or burning in the anus
โ Pain in the anus or rectum
โ Bleeding or other discharge from the anus
โ Warts or bumps in the anal region
โ Foreign objects in the rectum
โ A change in bowel habits or a change in stool composition
โ Bowel incontinence
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Proctology surgery
A wide term used to cover a variety of surgical treatments performed to treat issues with the lower gut is proctology/colorectal surgery. Diseases of the colon, anus, and rectum are all treated with surgery. Both adults and children can have the operation. Injuries to the anus, congenital disabilities, Crohn’s disease, severe constipation disorders, anal fistulas, piles, haemorrhoids, colon and rectal cancer, injuries to the anus, and more can all be treated with it. Colectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, laparoscopic surgery, anoplasty, bowel resection surgery, and other common surgical techniques are some of the ones used in colorectal surgery. The type of surgical treatment used will have a considerable impact on how long you need to recover following colorectal surgery.
General anesthetic, intravenous sedation, or local anaesthesia are typically used during colorectal surgery. The procedure starts with the creation of abdominal incisions. Colorectal surgery can be done in a variety of methods, depending on the diseases that need to be treated. Here are some of the methods that are most frequently used:
โ Colectomy: The colon is partially removed during the procedure. Either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery can be done. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and removes all or a portion of the colon. The remainder of the digestive system is subsequently rejoined by the surgeon, or the intestine is connected to an opening made in the belly.
โ Colostomy: One end of the colon is pulled through a hole that is made in the abdomen during the surgical process. Depending on the disease, a colonoscopy may be either temporary or permanent. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and pulls the colon. A colostomy bag is subsequently attached by the surgeon to collect the feces.
โ Laparoscopic surgery: To reduce discomfort and promote a quick recovery, this kind of surgery is carried out on the abdomen. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the abdomen and inserts a tube with a camera on it. The physician then closes the tiny incisions after the procedure.
โ Anoplasty: Surgery to rebuild the anus is frequently performed when there is anal stenosis.
โ Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoids are removed using this surgical treatment. The physician cuts off the enlarged vein inside hemorrhoid and makes incisions surrounding it during the treatment. The surgeon then cuts out the hemorrhage and closes the wound with stitches.
โ Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: The surgery, sometimes referred to as IPPA or the J-pouch treatment, removes the whole colon and rectum. The small intestine’s end is then formed into a pouch, which the surgeon connects to the anus. To remove waste, the surgeon then creates a brief incision in the abdominal wall. The second treatment is carried out by the surgeon when the J-pouch has fully healed to seal the opening and resume regular waste passage.
โ Lateral internal sphincterotomy: Chronic anal fissures are treated surgically in this manner. A little piece of the anal sphincter muscle is severed during this treatment, which lessens pain and spam. Anal fissures can mend because of this.
โ Rectopexy: The procedure corrects rectal prolapse. The surgeon moves the rectum back into the pelvis where it belongs during the procedure so that it can no longer protrude. The rectum is then secured in place with stitches by the surgeon.
