When a health concern arises in the lower digestive tract, people often search for the specialized doctor who can help. This common, informal query about the “butt doctor” refers to a medical specialist with focused training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. This specialized professional is trained to manage everything from common, uncomfortable ailments to complex diseases, providing both non-surgical and surgical care for the final segments of the gastrointestinal tract.
The Specialty of Colorectal Surgery
The most accurate and modern title for this specialist is a Colorectal Surgeon, though the older term “Proctologist” is still occasionally used. The historical term “proctologist” stems from the Greek word for anus, which inaccurately suggested a focus solely on the anal region. The current designation, Colorectal Surgeon, reflects the full scope of the physician’s expertise, which includes the colon and rectum, in addition to the anus.
Becoming a Colorectal Surgeon involves rigorous, multi-stage training after medical school. A physician first completes a five-year residency in general surgery. Following this, they must complete an additional one-year fellowship program dedicated entirely to colon and rectal diseases. This extensive training ensures the specialist is proficient in both the medical and surgical management of disorders affecting the lower gastrointestinal system.
Common Conditions Treated
Colorectal Surgeons treat a wide variety of benign and malignant conditions. One of the most common issues is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause bleeding, pain, and itching. They also regularly treat anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anal canal that cause sharp pain during bowel movements.
Other conditions involve infections and abnormal passageways, such as anal abscesses and fistulas. An abscess is a collection of pus, while a fistula is a tunnel-like connection that forms between the anal canal and the skin, often requiring surgical repair. More serious diseases like colorectal cancer, which arises in the colon or rectum, also fall under their care for surgical treatment.
Colorectal Surgeons manage cases of diverticulitis, where small pouches in the colon wall become inflamed or infected. They also work with patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, intervening when medical treatments fail or complications necessitate surgery. They can also address structural issues like rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anus.
Related Medical Professionals and Referrals
While Colorectal Surgeons focus on the lower GI tract and perform surgery, other specialists play a different role in digestive health. The Gastroenterologist is another physician who treats digestive conditions, but their scope covers the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Gastroenterologists specialize in the medical management of diseases like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and do not typically perform complex surgery.
The Colorectal Surgeon is a surgical specialist, while the Gastroenterologist is an internal medicine specialist. A Gastroenterologist may diagnose a problem in the colon, such as a large polyp or early-stage cancer, but will often refer the patient to a Colorectal Surgeon if an operation is required. The process often begins with a visit to a Primary Care Physician (PCP) who can assess initial symptoms like chronic bleeding or pain. If the PCP determines that specialized evaluation or surgical intervention is likely, they will then initiate a referral to the appropriate expert.