Proctology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the lower part of the digestive system — from the large intestine to the anal region. In simpler terms, it is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of anal and rectal disorders.
Which Diseases Are Treated in the Proctology Department?
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissure (anal tear)
- Rectal cancer
- Anal abscess
- Anal fistula
- Genital and anal warts (condyloma)
- Anal dermatitis
- Anal itching (pruritus ani)
- Rectal prolapse
- Constipation
- Gas and fecal incontinence
- Anal aesthetics
- Pilonidal sinus (ingrown hair)
What Are the Symptoms of Proctologic Diseases?
- Burning or pain during or after defecation
- Persistent pain that worsens with sitting
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Itching in the anal area
- Foul-smelling or purulent discharge from the anus
- Palpable swelling or lump around the anus
- Gas or stool incontinence
- Protrusion of the rectum or anus
- Unsatisfactory appearance of the anal area
- Constant urge to defecate
- Changes in stool shape (thinner stool, etc.)
- Constipation
- Fever accompanied by anal pain
- Incomplete evacuation of stool
- Moisture around the anus
- Sensitivity of the skin surrounding the anus
What Are the Current Diagnostic Methods Used in Proctology?
The most effective diagnostic method for anorectal diseases is a proctologic examination performed on a specialized examination table. When necessary, additional diagnostic tools may be used for a more detailed assessment, including:
- Rectoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Anal manometry (anorectal manometry)
- Balloon expulsion test
- Isotonic fluid infusion
- Anorectal electromyography (EMG)
- Defecography (proctography)
- Colonic transit studies (colon transit time)
- Anorectal ultrasonography (anal endosonography)
- Virtual colonoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Dynamic MRI
- PET CT/MRI
What Are the Current Treatment Methods in Proctology?
As the anorectal region is a highly sensitive area with essential functions, its disorders should be treated by specialized physicians in technologically equipped medical centers. When medical treatments fail to produce sufficient results, the following modern treatment methods may be applied:
- Conventional surgery
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgery
- Band ligation
- Botox injections
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Radiofrequency treatment
- Electrosurgery
- Stapler (PPH / Longo) method
- Crystallized phenol application
- VAAFT (Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment) method
- Anal plug
- Permacol or tissue adhesive
- PRP/Stem cell therapy
- THD/HAL procedures (hemorrhoidal artery ligation)
- Neuromodulation therapy
