Tips & Advice
What is the difference between a proctologist and gastroenterologist?
Proctologists and gastroenterologists are similar in that they both specialize in diseases and conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, but they differ in terms of the treatment modalities they use. Proctologists are surgeons, and they use surgery to treat conditions such as anal warts, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, and colon cancer. Gastroenterologists are medical doctors, but they are not surgeons, and they use treatments other than surgery to manage disease.
How long does the average proctologist appointment take?
A visit to a proctologist can take 20-60 minutes or more. The length of time required for your appointment will depend on whether you're a new or established patient; new-patient visits tend to last longer. Also, if you're having a procedure such as a colonoscopy performed, this will extend the duration of your appointment.
What is a typical visit to the proctologist consist of?
During a visit to a proctologist, you'll be asked if you've experienced symptoms that concern the rectum and colon. These include itching, pain, bleeding, and difficulty passing stool. You'll also be asked about your sexual history. The proctologist will visually examine the area around your anus. This doctor will also perform a digital rectal exam, and this involves the insertion of a lubricated gloved finger into your anus to detect abnormalities. In some cases, you might be asked to cleanse your colon with an enema prior to the office visit.
What are the signs of prostate cancer?
In its earliest stages, there are no symptoms of prostate cancer. In more advanced cases, those who have this disease might have difficulty urinating, especially at night. They may also notice blood in their urine or semen, and they might have problems obtaining an erection. If prostate cancer has spread to the bones, you may experience pain in the hips, back, and chest.
Prostate cancer is one that affects this gland found only in males, and it's responsible for producing some of the fluid found in semen. The prostate gland is located below the rectum and in front of the bladder. In younger men, the prostate is the size of a walnut, but it can grow significantly larger as you age.
How much does it cost to see a proctologist?
If you're a new patient, a visit to a proctologist can cost $200-$600 or more. The cost for established patients typically runs $100-$400 or more. If you're having certain services performed, this will increase the cost of an office visit. For example, if you're having a colonoscopy performed, the cost for this procedure alone with run you about $850.
What conditions do proctologists treat?
Proctologists treat all conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and gastrointestinal tract. This list includes hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, fecal incontinence, severe constipation, fissures, rectal prolapse, colon cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, colitis, anal abscess, anal cancer, pelvic floor dysfunction, polyps, adenomas, retrorectal tumors, colorectal endometriosis, rectal bleeding, proctitis, anal stenosis and solitary rectal ulcers.
What is the difference between a proctologist and a colorectal surgeon?
There is no difference between a proctologist and a colorectal surgeon. Both are doctors who specialize in addressing conditions of the colon and rectum. Proctologist is an older descriptor, and one that hasn't been widely used since the 1960s. Modern doctors who focus on this area of treatment typically refer to themselves as colorectal surgeons.
A colonoscopy is a test that helps a proctologist diagnose diseases and conditions that affect your rectum and colon. In this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted into your colon, and it's used to obtain photographs and video footage of the organ's interior. Colonoscopes are 4-feet long, and have a camera and a light source attached.
A proctologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and gastrointestinal tract. Proctologists are also known as colorectal surgeons. Minor problems concerning the colon and rectum are often treated by general practitioners, but proctologists are typically called in for complex problems that require surgical treatment.
