What pathologies does the doctor treat?
The most common diseases that a coloproctologist has to deal with in everyday practice are:
- Diarrhea. Severe or recurring diarrhea can be caused by an intestinal infection, an allergic reaction, or adhesions. It is necessary to clarify the diagnosis with the doctor.
- Haemorrhoids. Bumps, bleeding and prolapse of nodes from the rectum. Often, conservative therapy is enough to cope with the pathology.
- Constipation. Many people complain of constipation. The proctologist finds out the causes of this condition and explains to the patient what consequences await him if the problem is not resolved.
- Fecal incontinence. Weakness of the sphincter requires urgent treatment. The sooner a correct diagnosis is made, the sooner the patient's life will improve.
- Perianal thrombosis. Anal thrombosis is often confused with prolapsed hemorrhoids. The doctor usually opens a blood clot that has formed on the edge of the anus, and there is a rapid healing of this area.
- Anal fissure. The rupture of the internal mucous membranes is an extremely painful process. Only a doctor is able to decide whether it is possible to treat a crack with ointments, suppositories, or whether surgical intervention is necessary.
- Colon polyps. Polyps are basically harmless skin growths inside the large intestine. However, over the years they can still degenerate into cancer, so they are usually removed.
- Anal eczema. If it itches and burns around the anus, in many cases eczema is behind it. Whether the cause is allergies, fistula, hemorrhoids, or psoriasis, a specialist can determine with a smear test.
- Anal abscesses. The glands just behind the anus can become inflamed. If the abscess is not treated medically, the suppuration can spread and result in an anal fistula.
- Anal fistulas. Sometimes pus-filled ducts form under the skin, which can go outside. They are associated with dysfunction of the anal canal. Fistulas usually have to be opened surgically, carefully treated and sutured.
- Colorectal cancer. Colon or rectal cancer develops gradually. A proctologist detects pathogenic changes in the internal part of the intestine during a colonoscopy.
- Prolapse of the rectum. Patients do not always notice that during defecation, prolapse of formations from the rectum occurs. But if this pathology is not treated, it can lead to urinary incontinence and other unpleasant consequences.
- Anal warts. Small nodules are easily palpable. These are not hemorrhoids, but tissue growths (including papillomas, condylomas). The disease is caused by certain viruses. Usually the partner also needs to be treated.
What diagnostic methods does a coloproctologist use?
During the appointment, the doctor learns the patient's medical history, past illnesses and previous examinations. During a visual examination, the proctologist examines the condition of the perineum, anus and buttocks.
To diagnose hemorrhoids of 2 or 3 degrees, the patient is asked to briefly push (as during a bowel movement). Next, the doctor may conduct a thorough examination (palpation) of the anus. An anesthetic lubricant gel facilitates the procedure.
Palpation is usually followed by rectoscopy (rectal endoscopy or anal endoscopy). This happens either in the position on the side, or the patient leans on his knees and elbows (on all fours). With the help of a short thin tube, the doctor has the opportunity to look into the anal canal. This examination provides reliable information about the condition of hemorrhoids. If necessary? in this way, small tissue samples can be taken.
Polyps or malignant changes in the intestine are detected during colonoscopy. The procedure requires detailed preparation, it is better to consult a doctor.
In a classic colonoscopy, the organ is carefully examined. A flexible tube equipped with a camera is inserted rectally into the patient. Also, with the help of a biopsy, you can take tissue for the study of cellular changes.
Endosonography is an ultrasound examination that allows you to carefully examine the anus, the rectal area and the entire pelvic floor.
Laboratory tests
If there is an external problem in the area of the anal fold, the proctologist may take a swab from the surface of the skin. This allows, for example, a fungal infection of the anus to be clearly identified. Mycological, microbial and viral diagnostics are carried out in the laboratory. The stool sample brought by the patient is also sent to the laboratory, where it is determined whether there is occult blood in the sample.
In the future, the doctor may prescribe computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Studies provide accurate images and can qualitatively display pathological changes.
What treatment methods does the doctor use?
A coloproctologist consults and treats patients comprehensively, answers questions, wishes, and voices concerns. A specialist can offer outpatient treatment, which includes:
- Compliance with a diet high in fiber, an increase in the amount of natural healthy foods, clean water.
- Change in lifestyle, inclusion in the daily routine of physical exercises, walks.
- Selection of pharmaceutical preparations, as well as physiotherapy.
- Tips for personal hygiene after using the toilet.
- Removal of internal hemorrhoids (ligation, sclerotherapy).
- Laser treatment.
Surgical treatment in the hospital is offered to patients who require urgent care due to advanced proctological disease.
It may include, among other things:
- Combined and laser hemorrhoidectomy (submucosal laser hemorrhoidoplasty ALOHA (Aqua Laser Hemorroid Ablation)).
- Laser destruction of anal fissures.
- Surgical treatment of rectal fistulas - a traditional and minimally invasive method using laser technology.
- Laser destruction of the fistula of the rectum Aqua Laser Fistula Ablation - (ALFA).
- Laser fistulotomy.
- Laser destruction of the epithelial coccygeal passage (Sinus Laser Closure (SiLaС)).
- Laser sinusotomy.
- Laser Pit-picking.
