What is a proctologist?

A proctologist, also known as a colorectal surgeon, is a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the anus, rectum, and colon.

Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including:

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the anus and rectum.
• Anal%20fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus.
• Colorectal%20cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectum.
• Inflammatory%20bowel%20disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of pouches (diverticula) that can form in the colon.
• Anal%20warts: Growths in the anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Fecal%20incontinence: Loss of bowel control.
• Pilonidal%20cysts: Cysts containing hair and skin debris, typically near the tailbone.

Proctologists use various diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and anoscopy, to examine the lower digestive tract. They offer a range of treatments, from medications and lifestyle changes to surgical interventions. Surgical procedures performed by proctologists can include hemorrhoidectomy, colectomy (removal of part or all of the colon), and repair of anal fissures or fistulas.