A proctologist, formally known as a colorectal surgeon, is a medical doctor specializing in conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. People typically seek their expertise for concerns like hemorrhoids, anal pain, changes in bowel habits, or for screening procedures.
The role of a proctologist extends to managing conditions such as anal fissures, fistulas, inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and colorectal cancer. Their comprehensive training includes medical school, a general surgery residency, and a specialized fellowship in colon and rectal surgery.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your appointment, gather relevant medical information. This includes compiling a list of all current medications, previous surgeries, and any existing medical conditions. Understanding your family’s history of colorectal conditions can also provide valuable context.
Record the symptoms you are experiencing, noting when they began, their frequency, and any factors that seem to worsen or alleviate them. If your appointment involves a specific procedure like a flexible sigmoidoscopy, the office might provide instructions for bowel preparation, which could include dietary adjustments or enemas. Following any provided preparation guidelines is important for accurate assessment.
The Consultation and Examination
The proctologist will typically begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and medical history. Providing honest and thorough information about your bowel habits, pain, or bleeding is important for an accurate diagnosis.
Following the discussion, a physical examination will likely be performed. This generally involves a visual inspection of the perianal area, where the doctor looks for external signs such as hemorrhoids, skin tags, or fissures. Next, a digital rectal exam (DRE) is common, where the doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities like masses, polyps, or to assess muscle tone. This part of the examination is usually quick, causing pressure but typically not significant pain.
Depending on your symptoms and initial findings, the proctologist may perform additional procedures such as an anoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy. An anoscopy involves inserting a short, rigid tube with a light into the anal canal for a direct view of the lining. This procedure is usually brief, causing some pressure but generally not painful. A flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a longer, flexible tube with a camera to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum. It can cause some discomfort or a sensation of needing to have a bowel movement due to air inflation, but is typically performed without sedation and lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
After the examination, the proctologist will discuss their findings with you. This conversation includes explaining a potential diagnosis and outlining the various treatment approaches available. These options can range from simple lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes to manage constipation, to prescribing specific medications.
For certain conditions, minor in-office procedures might be suggested, or a referral for more involved surgical interventions could be made. The proctologist will also discuss the need for any further diagnostic tests, like blood work or imaging studies. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.