Proctologist

Who is a proctologist and what does he do? Proctology is a branch of medicine that studies diseases of the large intestine (rectum and colon) and anus.

A proctologist is a doctor who deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of colon pathologies. Such diseases include hemorrhoids, itching in the anus, anal fissures, ulcers, rectal prolapse, proctitis, paraproctitis, fecal incontinence, constipation, perianal pain and other problems. Since diseases in this area are quite intimate, they seek help from a doctor in case of extreme necessity, often in an advanced stage of the disease.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of proctological diseases, including abuse of certain types of medications (laxatives, oral contraceptives), a sedentary lifestyle, low mobility, poor nutritional hygiene, problems with alcohol, anal sex, pregnancy. All of these factors lead to circulatory disorders and blood stagnation in the pelvis, and, as a consequence, circulatory disorders in the rectum. And given several risk factors, the likelihood of developing pathologies of the large intestine and rectum increases several times.

When should you see a proctologist?

When should you see a proctologist to avoid serious complications? First of all, you need to pay attention to the first signals indicating problems with the colon. The problem is that the symptoms in the early stages of the disease are practically not expressed. Signs of intestinal discomfort appear: increased frequency of bowel movements or, conversely, constipation, unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen - nagging pain, bloating, a feeling of a foreign body in the rectum, a feeling of pressure on the abdomen of a belt. These are the first signs of a developing pathological process in the colon. Later, the symptoms are supplemented by constant pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhea or prolonged constipation, mucus, blood or purulent exudate, itching of the anus, burning, fever, exhaustion, symptoms of intoxication.

You should immediately seek qualified help if the following symptoms appear:

• pain in the abdomen and anus;
• discharge of mucus or pus from the anus;
• bleeding or streaks of blood on the surface of the stool;
• constipation;
• colon obstruction;
• bloating;
• false urge to defecate;
• diarrhea;
• incontinence of feces and gases;
• bleeding or streaks of blood on the surface of the stool;
• pain or discomfort during bowel movements;
• constipation.

What tests should you take when visiting a proctologist?

What tests need to be taken when visiting a proctologist depends on what preliminary analysis will be established. After all, timely diagnosis and detection of colon pathology is the key to effective treatment.

In case of hemorrhoids, a general clinical blood test is prescribed to determine the presence of anemia, which occurs with frequent bleeding.

Fecal occult blood test. The test is necessary to identify bleeding areas in the upper parts of the intestine.

If dysbacteriosis, irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases are suspected, the proctologist prescribes a special analysis - stool culture on a nutrient medium to determine the presence of pathogenic microflora in the intestine and determine sensitivity to antibacterial drugs and bacteriophages.

If helminthiasis is suspected, a stool test for worm eggs is prescribed.

If fungal diseases of the perianal area or anogenital herpes are suspected, a smear from the perianal area is prescribed.

If intestinal polyps are suspected, DNA diagnostics are performed to determine the presence of mutations in genes. The presence of polyps is a predetermining factor in the development of colon cancer, so timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent this disease.

What diagnostic methods does a proctologist use?

The diagnostic methods used by a proctologist depend on the preliminary diagnosis. A proctologist appointment lasts on average from 30 to 60 minutes, during which time the doctor can conduct diagnostics, including anoscopy, rectoscopy, digital rectal examination, ultrasound diagnostics (ultrasound) of the abdominal cavity, oncological and other examinations.

In addition, a proctologist may prescribe additional diagnostic methods:

• rectoscopy;
• colonoscopy;
• irrigoscopy;
• histological examination;
• oncology examination.

Also, a proctologist can use the following method and approach to treat proctological diseases:

• gentle, non-surgical method of treating hemorrhoids;
• complete painless diagnostics of rectal diseases;
• removal of hemorrhoids without surgery, without pain, without changing your usual lifestyle;
• highly effective treatment of anal fissures;
• removal of polyps;
• treatment of rectal prolapse;
• surgical treatment.

It is important to remember that timely consultation with a doctor and refusal of self-medication will help prevent the development of serious complications and speed up the period of complete recovery of the body.

What does a proctologist do?

What does a proctologist do and what is their area of specialization? A proctologist deals with measures for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon and rectum. Common diseases in this area include hemorrhoids, proctitis, paraproctitis, anal itching, anal fissures, fistulas, polyps, ulcers, rectal prolapse, and fecal incontinence.

Most of the above mentioned diseases start with a bowel movement disorder – diarrhea or constipation occurs, discharge from the anus appears (purulent, bloody), bowel movements are painful, and painful sensations in the lower abdomen are also felt while sitting. Due to the intimacy of the problems that have arisen, patients delay a visit to the doctor, and as a result, the diseases acquire a rather severe form.

In order not to embarrass the patient, the doctor can conduct an appointment at the patient's home, such an environment will not embarrass the patient, and the doctor will be able to collect anamnesis, conduct an examination and put forward a version of the diagnosis, and if it is necessary to clarify the primary diagnosis, prescribe additional studies. Plus, some of the instrumental research methods can be carried out even at home - modern technologies allow the use of portable equipment in any conditions.

What diseases does a proctologist treat?

What diseases does a proctologist treat? A proctologist (coloproctologist) specializes in diagnostics, prevention of pathologies of the rectum, colon and anus. Previously, the proctologist's specialization included diseases of the rectum only, and a coloproctologist deals with pathologies of two sections of the large intestine (rectum and colon).

In 1997, the branch of medicine "proctology" was officially renamed "coloproctology", so, in essence, proctology and coloproctology are one area. There are two sections of proctology - surgical and therapeutic.

Surgical proctology specializes in emergency conditions of the rectum - bleeding from a ruptured hemorrhoid, etc.

Therapeutic proctology specializes in the treatment of intestinal intoxications, parasitic infections, and colitis.

Diseases that a proctologist deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of:

• polyps;
• injuries;
• foreign bodies;
• tumors;
• anal fissures;
• bowel prolapse;
• helminthic infestations;
• proctitis;
• paraproctitis;
• colitis;
• epithelial coccygeal passage;
• papillitis;
• rectal polyps;
• colon diverticula;
• Anococcygeal pain syndrome.

Advice from a proctologist

The advice of a proctologist comes down to the prevention of diseases of the large intestine and rectum and the refusal of self-medication when the first signs of intestinal dysfunction appear.

Prevention of hemorrhoids:

• treatment of constipation and diarrhea, normalization of the digestive tract, regular and balanced nutrition.
• complete or partial abstinence from alcohol, very spicy, smoked and salty foods.
• Maintaining personal hygiene after using the toilet. Carefully maintaining cleanliness of the anal area after each bowel movement. If necessary, stop using toilet paper and switch to washing with room temperature water and soap after using the toilet; to prevent exacerbations, take cool manganese baths (pale pink solution) for 1.5-2 minutes after each bowel movement.
• When the initial signs of hemorrhoids appear, you should avoid any physical activity.
• Pregnant women are recommended to do daily exercise, walks, a diet with a lot of laxative foods, and a ban on wearing tight belts to reduce venous congestion in the pelvic organs.
• Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle need to do gymnastics, swim, and walk more.

Prevention of rectal cancer primarily concerns patients from the risk group - with rectal polyps, chronic inflammation of the rectal capsule, anal fissures. Patients with diagnosed pathologies are registered with a proctologist and are required to visit the doctor at least once a year. When visiting a doctor, the patient is prescribed a stool test for occult blood, rectosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or irrigoscopy.

Prevention of constipation occurs in several stages:

• Normalization of nutrition. It is necessary to exclude from the menu products that slow down intestinal peristalsis - meat products, sugar, sweets, eggs, white bread, various pastries, chocolate. It is necessary to eat fruits, vegetables, cereals, food rich in fiber as often as possible. Fiber stimulates the intestines, facilitates the act of defecation.
• You also need to drink the required amount of liquid - about 2 liters of total body weight.
• Eating a lot of vegetables and fruits, raw, boiled, stewed, steamed.
• Eat in small portions to avoid overeating.
• Do not hold back or restrain the act of defecation.
• Use laxatives and antibacterial drugs with extreme caution, only in cases of extreme necessity.
• Also, an important aspect of constipation prevention is maintaining physical activity, for example, walking regularly - this will help keep the intestines and the entire body in good shape.

Prevention of colon polyps consists of the following:

• Timely visit to the doctor, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic colitis, constipation, dysbacteriosis.
• Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.
• Maintaining a diet rich in fiber and fermented milk products. Limiting the intake of fatty, spicy, canned, meat, fried foods.
• Taking vitamin complexes rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A).
• Taking special medications after cancer – photostim, prolongin.
• Annual immunochemical testing of patients over 40 years of age for occult blood in feces.
• Endoscopic examination of the colon (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy).

Prevention of anal fissures does not require following complicated rules, it is enough:

• Eat mostly foods that contain more fiber to avoid constipation.
• Do not tolerate or prevent defecation.
• Wash the anal area with cool water after using the toilet.
• Maintain your body's tone and lead an active lifestyle.

Prevention of proctitis, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum, can be reduced to following a few simple rules:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this includes a balanced diet, physical activity, and giving up bad habits.
• Refusal of questionable sexual relations.
• Maintaining personal hygiene.
• In case of casual, unverified sexual intercourse, a condom should be used.

Prevention of the formation of rectal fistulas consists only of prompt diagnosis and competent treatment of paraproctitis, and the exclusion of trauma to the rectum.

It is also important to remember that when the first signs of colon dysfunction appear, you should immediately seek qualified help from a proctologist and not self-medicate.

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