Proctology

Step 1: Interview with the patient

The first step is to find out the patient’s complaint. The specialized proctologist will listen carefully to your complaints in detail and ask questions to further understand the issue. At this point it’s important to address all issues that might concern you and answer questions about the nature of symptoms and medical history as accurate as possible.

Step 2: Physical examination of the perianal area and anus

At first the proctologist will examine the perianal region externally by observation and palpation. Then to examine the anus and rectum internally the doctor will use a special gel containing a lubricant material as well as a local anesthetic to minimize the discomfort during the examination.

Step 3: Digital rectal examination

When examining the rectum the doctor might need to palpate the internal walls of the rectum to check for polyps, neoplasms and to determine the condition of anal sphincter and hemorrhoids if present.

Step 4: Anoscopy

The proctologist might need to use a device called anoscope which is a 3-4 cm long tube with a light source to have a better visual assessment of the rectum. It helps the doctor to detect some conditions in their early stages.

 Step 4: Rectoscopy

Some times the proctologist will find it necessary to examine more portion of the rectum as well as the sigmoid colon which will require a 30cm tube with a light source called Rectoscope.

Word of advice from DIEVO proctologist:

Proctological diseases might occur at any age and in any group of people regardless of gender, race or lifestyle. Age related changes in the human body can cause weakening of the anal sphincter, intestinal problems and inadequate diet can cause prolonged straining which can lead to the formation of hemorrhoids and/or anal fissures. Trauma and other concomitant disease such as diabetes might facilitate the formation of Para-proctitis or anorectal abscess, all of which are diagnosed and treated by proctologists.