Proctologists or colorectal surgeons specialize in diseases and conditions that affect the colon and rectum. Proctologists perform a number of duties related to patient treatment.
Features
Proctologists treat a variety of medical conditions, including anal fissures, bowel incontinence, colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and rectal prolapse.
Consultation
When proctologists meet with new patients, they review their medical history and ask questions to uncover information about the problems and symptoms that led them to visit the proctologist. They also perform rectal exams by inserting their fingers into the rectum of the patient as a preliminary diagnostic test.
Diagnostic Treatments
Proctologists perform a variety of procedures to diagnose the cause of bowel symptoms. These procedures include ultrasound, colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Surgery
Once they diagnose a condition, proctologists often perform surgical procedures for treatment, including colon resection, colectomy, polypectomy, colostomy and ileostomy.
Cooperation
When a patient has a variety of medical problems, proctologists coordinate their efforts with other physicians, such as general practitioners, internists and oncologists. They also rely on the assistance of other physicians, such as radiologists and anesthesiologist for certain tests and treatments.
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