How to See a Proctologist

A proctologist treats medical problems in the colon and rectum that affect a large percentage of the population. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and 50 percent of Americans will experience hemorrhoids. Because the prevalence of proctology problems has increased and their treatments have advanced, visiting a proctologist should not be intimidating. Read this article to learn about the common procedures and treatments that you may experience during your visit.

Instructions

• 1

  Honestly describe your symptoms. Rectal bleeding or bloody stool, changes in stool size or consistency, unusual bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or significant lack of energy could indicate a serious problem. The doctor will base the diagnosis and course of treatment on the information you provide.

• 2

  Take a home test kit to screen your colon. Return it with a stool sample to be tested for microscopic blood.

• 3

  Receive an in-office sigmoidoscopy if a more thorough screening is warranted. Ninety minutes after administering an enema, the proctologist inserts a lighted sigmoidoscope into the lower half of the colon.

• 4

  Schedule a colonoscopy if your doctor recommends a thorough colon examination. Follow any prescribed diet restrictions prior to the procedure, which lasts about 30 minutes. After sedating you, the doctor will use a colonoscope to inspect the internal walls of the entire colon for polyps or other abnormalities. At the same time she may take a biopsy or remove polyps and submit them to the pathology lab. Return to the office within two weeks for results.

• 5

  Consider submitting to a hemorrhoid treatment called infrared photocoagulation. Infrared light applied in pulses gradually reduces hemorrhoid tissue. The procedure requires no patient preparation, is performed in the office and permits immediate resumption of normal activity. The severity of the hemorrhoids will determine the number of visits needed.

• 6

  Ask your proctologist about the new hemorrhoid treatment called Procedure for Prolapse & Hemorrhoids (PPH) introduced within the last ten years. The procedure repositions anal canal tissue to restrict blood flow to hemorrhoids, effectively shrinking them within four to six weeks. The surgery is performed at a location with very few nerve endings.