ReStora Care

Understanding Proctology

Proctology is a kind of medicine that deals with problems of the anus, rectum and colon. These parts of the body are very important for getting rid of waste. A lot of people are too embarrassed to get help or they just do not know much about it. There are some problems like hemorrhoids, anal fissure, infections and constipation that can really affect your daily life. If you get the care at the right time most of these problems can be treated easily.

Who Is a Proctologist?

A proctologist is a doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat problems of the part of the digestive system. People also call them surgeons. They take care of problems with the colon, rectum and anus. These doctors are good at treating people without surgery using things like medicine and lifestyle changes. They can also do surgery when it is necessary. Their goal is to make your digestive system healthy again and to make sure you are comfortable and treated with respect.

Conditions Treated by a Proctologist

A proctologist can help with a lot of problems including:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissure
• Anal fistula and abscess
• Colon polyps
• Crohn’s disease
• Cancer
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diverticulitis
• Rectal prolapse

When Should You See a Proctologist?

You should think about going to see a proctologist if you have:

• Itching or irritation around the anus that does not go away
• Pain or burning when you go to the bathroom
• Bleeding or discharge from the rectum
• Blood in your stool
• Lumps or swelling near the anus
• Trouble passing stool or constipation that lasts a time
• Loss of control over your bowel movements

If you get diagnosed early it can prevent problems from getting worse and it can make treatment easier and more effective.

Common Diagnostic Procedures in Proctology

Proctologists use different methods to figure out what is wrong:

• Anoscopy: This is when they look inside the canal
• Colonoscopy: This is when they look for problems in the colon
• Sigmoidoscopy: This is when they look at the part of the colon
• Proctoscopy: This is when they look closely at the rectum
• Endorectal Ultrasound: This is when they use waves to look for tumors or other problems inside the body
• Physical Examination: This is when they look for signs like swelling or lesions that they can see

Training and Expertise of a Proctologist

To become a proctologist you have to go through a lot of training:

• You have to get a degree
• You have to get training in surgery
• You have to get training in procedures that have to do with the colon and rectum

This kind of training makes sure that proctologists can take care of even the most complicated problems with the digestive system.

How to Choose the Right Proctologist

When you are trying to pick a specialist you should think about:

• If they are certified by a board
• If they have experience with the kind of problem you have
• What kind of hospital they work with and what kind of facilities they have
• If they are available to see you after your first visit
• If you feel comfortable talking to them and if they communicate well with you

It is very important to have a relationship with your doctor so that you can get the treatment you need.

FAQs

1. Is it normal to feel embarrassed about problems with your anus or rectum? Yes it is normal to feel that way. These kinds of problems are very common. Doctors are trained to deal with them in a private way.
2. Are hemorrhoids dangerous? Hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous. They can be uncomfortable and bleed if you do not get them treated.
3. Does a colonoscopy hurt? A colonoscopy does not usually hurt because they give you medicine to make you sleepy while they do it.
4. Can changing your lifestyle help you avoid surgery? Yes changing what you eat, drinking water and exercising can help with a lot of mild problems.
5. When do you need to have surgery? You need to have surgery when medicine and lifestyle changes do not work or when you have a problem like colorectal cancer or a fistula.

Your digestive health is a part of your overall health. If you ignore your symptoms you might get problems but if you get medical help early you can feel better and prevent serious problems. If you are having symptoms like pain, bleeding or discomfort do not wait to get help. At RestoraCare, we care about your privacy and comfort, giving you the best treatment possible. Book your appointment today. Take the first step to better digestive health.