What Is A Proctologist? What Do They Do?

Rohan Mathew

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What Is A Proctologist? What Do They Do?

what is a proctologist? Patients may need treatment from a proctologist to treat a certain type of disease. In the field of medicine, you have specialists for everything. These specialists have special training in a particular medical field and can treat the patients effectively. Today we will tell you about a medical specialist and What are proctologists.

What Is A Proctologist?

A proctologist is a surgeon that diagnoses and treats disorders in the rectum and anus. They also treat the gastrointestinal tract. Proctologists are also known as colorectal surgeons or colon and rectal surgeons. They treat many conditions related to lower digestive tract disease.

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What Is A Proctologist Do?

Proctologist treats various health conditions and disorders in rectum, anus, or gastrointestinal tract. Below are some common conditions treated by a proctologist.

  • Anal fissures
  • Anal skin tags
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Colon polyps
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Constipation
  • Diverticulitis
  • Gallstones
  • Hernias
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Rectal prolapse.

Proctologist also treat sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, genital herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea

What Procedures Does A Proctologist Follow?

A proctologist is trained to diagnose and perform surgeries. Below are some common procedures used by Colorectal surgeons or proctologists.

  • Anoscopy

In Anoscopy a proctologist identifies abnormalities in the anus and rectum.

  • Colonoscopy

In a colonoscopy, the proctologist examines the entire colon and screens for colorectal cancer if required they may also remove polyps.

  • Digital rectal exams

In a rectal physical examination of the lower rectum and prostate, the doctor uses their fingers to examine the patient

  • Endorectal ultrasound

Endorectal ultrasound is an imaging test that helps the doctor to diagnose colorectal cancers.

  • Proctoscopy

Proctoscopy is a  procedure where the doctor examines the rectum and anus. They take tissues for biopsy, or to remove polyps.

  • Sigmoidoscopy

In the Sigmoidoscopy procedure, the lower third of your colon also known as the sigmoid colon is examined by the doctor

Who Need To See A Proctologist?

Commonly a proctologist or colorectal surgeon is suggested by another doctor. There are some common conditions that may indicate that it is time to see a proctologist. Here are come of them mentioned below

  • itching or burning of anal
  • pain in anal or rectal
  • bleeding or some discharges from the anus
  • fecal incontinence
  • anal warts bumps
  • feeling some sensation of a foreign body on anal

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Education And Training Of A Proctologist

After knowing What is a proctologist let us also see What Is A Proctologist Exam and education.

A proctologist has to take special training and give exams to be a specialist.

  1. A proctologist needs to obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree
  2. You must attend and complete 4 years of medical schooling
  3. You must complete a 5-year training in general surgery
  4. Then you need additional one-year training in colon and rectal surgery

In the US most of the proctologist surgeons are ABCRS certifies. ABCRS is the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. The ABSCRS certificate can be obtained by a written as well as oral examination.

They must get licensed from the state where they are practicing and they must continue their education in this field.

FAQ

What Conditions Does A Proctologist Treat?

These are some common conditions treated by a proctologist.

  • Anal fissures
  • Anal skin tags
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Colon polyps
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Constipation
  • Diverticulitis
  • Gallstones
  • Hernias
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Rectal prolapse.
  • Proctologist also treat sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, genital herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea

Does A Proctologist Do Colonoscopy?

Yes, proctologists do colonoscopy where they examine the entire colon and screen for colorectal cancer if required they may also remove polyps.

Can A Woman See A Proctologist?

Yes, the department of women proctologists diagnoses and treats women with disorders of colon, rectum, and anus, etc.

Should I See A Gastroenterologist Or Proctologist For Hemorrhoids?

A gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat the patient based on the severity of the condition. They may perform some procedures like endoscopy while focusing on the supervision and complete care of the patient whereas proctologists may perform surgery if required for the treatment.

What Are Proctologists Called Now?

Proctologists are doctors who specialize in colon and rectal issues. They focus on conditions that affect the lower digestive tract. They’re often called colorectal surgeons.

Should I Shave Before Proctologist?

Your doctor doesn’t care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn’t a health or hygiene concern. They’ve seen it all, and how you style (or don’t style) your pubic hair probably won’t even register. So whether you like a close shave, a simple trim, or going au naturale, just keep doing you.

When Should A Woman See A Proctologist?

Some of the most common disorders which your primary care provider may refer you to a proctologist include: Anal leakage or discharge. Rectal bleeding. Lump found around the anus.

Why Would You Need To See A Proctologist?

Some of the most common disorders which your primary care provider may refer you to a proctologist include: Anal leakage or discharge. Rectal bleeding. Lump found around the anus.

Conclusion

Proctologists are doctors that are highly specialized in treating rectum or colon conditions including anal problems. They also diagnose and treat the complete gastrointestinal tract. If you have any symptoms like anal or rectal bleeding, pain, or even bumps you must talk to your doctor. If required the doctor may suggest meeting a proctologist for further treatment. This was all about What is a proctologist and what they do.