Proctologist

A proctologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the anorectal area and the large intestine. This specialist provides both therapeutic care and performs surgical procedures and operations according to the patient’s condition.

A proctologist helps diagnose and treat conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fistulas, inflammations of the rectum and colon, infections, polyps, and tumors. During a consultation, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, collects medical history, reviews previous examinations, and inquires about lifestyle, dietary habits, bowel movement frequency, and physical activity. If necessary, an examination of the rectal and anal area is performed using anoscopy or digital assessment. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend additional tests, such as rectoscopy, colonoscopy, radiological examinations, anorectal manometry, neurography, and laboratory analyses.

The most common proctological condition is hemorrhoids – the enlargement of venous nodes in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids may develop due to various factors, such as pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle or job, excessive physical strain, hereditary predisposition, and others. In the early stages, they can often be managed through lifestyle and dietary changes as well as with prescribed medication, whereas in advanced cases, surgical treatment methods may be required.

It is recommended to consult a proctologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• discomfort, pain, or itching around the anal area,
• mucous or purulent discharge,
• presence of blood in stool,
• appearance of lumps or swellings near the anus,
• a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum,
• difficulty passing stool,
• fecal or gas incontinence,
• changes in bowel movement frequency or consistency (constipation, diarrhea).

A timely visit to a proctologist enables accurate diagnosis, selection of the most appropriate treatment strategy, and prevention of potential complications—ensuring the highest possible quality of life for the patient.