The terms “proctologist” and “colorectal surgeon” often cause confusion for patients seeking specialized care for conditions affecting the lower digestive tract. Both titles refer to a physician who focuses on a similar area of the body. The distinction between the two is primarily a shift in professional terminology over time, rather than a difference in medical practice. This article clarifies the current, preferred term and the comprehensive scope of this medical specialty.
The Modern Terminology: Proctologist versus Colorectal Surgeon
The older term, “proctologist,” derived from the Greek word proktos meaning “anus,” historically suggested a focus primarily on the anus and rectum. This narrow interpretation did not fully represent the scope of conditions these specialists treated, which included the entire lower bowel. Consequently, “proctologist” has become a largely outdated term within the medical community.
The modern, preferred title in the United States is “Colorectal Surgeon,” or “Colon and Rectal Surgeon.” This name more accurately reflects the broad area of the gastrointestinal tract they treat, encompassing the colon (large intestine), the rectum, and the anus. While the public may still use the terms interchangeably, the official, specialized field is formally known as Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Conditions and Procedures Handled
Colorectal surgeons manage a wide spectrum of diseases affecting the large intestine, rectum, and anus, ranging from common, benign conditions to complex, malignant diseases. They routinely treat anorectal issues such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses, and fistulas. Their expertise also extends to serious diseases like diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and chronic constipation.
A primary part of their practice involves the diagnosis and surgical management of cancers affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Specialists perform sophisticated surgical procedures, including minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic colectomy, to remove diseased portions of the bowel. They also perform diagnostic and screening procedures, including colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies, used to detect and remove precancerous polyps. Colorectal surgeons also treat functional disorders, such as fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse.
Required Training and Certification
The pathway to becoming a board-certified Colorectal Surgeon is a demanding process that follows medical school graduation. The physician must first complete a full residency program in General Surgery, which typically lasts five years. This initial training provides a broad foundation in surgical techniques across various organ systems.
Following the General Surgery residency, the physician must complete a mandatory, specialized fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery, usually an additional year of intensive training. This fellowship focuses specifically on the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. Upon completion of this rigorous training, the surgeon must pass a comprehensive written and oral examination administered by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS). Certification ensures the surgeon has met the highest standards of expertise in this focused field.