A Proctologist? At My Age?
As we age, issues that never would have drawn a second thought, seem to become front and center in our thinking and in our daily habits. Things like sore feet, difficulty seeing objects close up or far away and thinning hair readily come to mind. But, who would have ever thought that seeing a proctologist would have become a part of a yearly routine? What is a proctologist anyway?
So, What Is A Proctologist?
A proctologist, also known as a colon and rectal surgeon or coloproctologist, is a surgical specialist who focus his or her abilities for the purpose of diagnosing and treating maladies of the colon, rectum or anus. Ordinarily, we pay little attention to our colon, our rectum or our anus. But, guess what? With age comes things like constipation, hemorrhoids or anal pain.
What Will The Proctologist Do?
Few of us know much about these symptoms, let alone about the diseases that may affect or digestive tracts. That’s where the proctologist comes in. If you need the services of a colon and rectal surgeon, you are more likely to find this type of physician in a big city such as Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. At the physician’s office, you will interviewed by your doctor in a quiet and confidential setting. Following this, your proctologist will gently examine you. You may have a digital exam, whereby the doctor uses a gloved finger to examine the inside of your anal canal and rectum. This is a painless exam. Your proctologist may also examine your anal area with a small scope called an anoscope.
A proctoscope may be used to look slightly deeper into your rectum. Finally, your stool will be checked for any microscopic blood.
But why would you ever need to see a proctologist?
Here is the list of the top 12 reasons to visit a proctologist:
- An external anal lump, most likely a hemorrhoid, is seen or felt.
- A discharge from the anus, possibly an STD (sexually transmitted disease) is present.
- A painful, red swelling on the buttocks which may be an abscess (a collection of pus).
- Rectal bleeding
- A change in bowel habits, or change in the size of your bowel movement.
- You have been told that you are anemic and that the source of the anemia (a low red blood cell count), may be in your colon, rectum or anus.
- You have turned 50 years old and need a screening colonoscopy.
- You have had polyps in the past and need a follow up colonoscopy
- You have a strong family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer and you need an evaluation for a genetic disorder.
- You require an operation for diverticulitis (a colon inflammation), colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
- You have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS and wish to find options to manage your disease.
- The catch-all category called OTHER. There are so many other relevant reasons related to your anus that would require you to see a colorectal surgeon.
Where To Find A Proctologist.
At Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates, you will become fully educated in all aspects of your problem and will have a chance to ask questions so as to better understand the reasons that brought you to the doctor. Rather than becoming frightened, become educated and participate in your diagnosis and care. (310)273-2310