A proctologist is a physician who specializes in disease of the anus, rectum and colon.

Proctology  has been absorbed into the colon and rectal surgery specialty, however the field of strict proctology still exists.

Why do people need a proctologist or a colorectal surgeon?

 

Most people go to see a proctologist or a colon and rectal surgeon for a variety of reasons.  On of the most common complaints that cause patients to come and see these physicians are anal rectal pain, irritation, and bleeding.  Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are seen as well.  Colon and rectal surgeons take care of diverticular disease, colon, rectal and anal cancers, as well as other diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.

Anal bleeding and irritation is not always caused by hemorrhoids, therefore it is important for patients to be evaluated by a specialist for a thorough evaluation.