Doctor-proctologist what heals

The intestine (the organ of excretion and digestion in humans and animals) is the most vulnerable part of the gastrointestinal tract. It consists of the small intestine, in which vitamins and useful elements are absorbed, and the large intestine, which is responsible for the design of feces and the absorption of water. The closing part of the large intestine is the rectum - the final part of the digestive tract, which does not have bends and is located from the sigmoid colon to the anus. Coloproctologist deals with the treatment of diseases of the large intestine. If the patient has signs of lesions of the anus, a consultation of a narrower specialist - a proctologist is appointed.

A proctologist is a doctor who studies diseases of the rectum, colon, pararectal space (around the rectum) and the anal canal. In connection with the reform of the modernization of healthcare in Russia in 1997, proctologists were retrained in coloproctologists, which made it possible to expand the list of diseases with which you can contact a specialist of this profile. Some patients who are shown to be monitored by a proctologist refuse to undergo diagnostics because of psychoemotional discomfort, not understanding the importance of this examination. To make the right decision and deal with embarrassment, you need to figure out what the doctor is treating. proctologist, how is the appointment going and what consequences can occur if you do not apply for help.

Who needs a proctologist's consultation?

The main reason for the development of severe pathologies of the rectum and colon is ignoring the symptoms of existing disorders and untimely access to a doctor. The majority of patients (more than 80%) are embarrassed to tell someone about "delicate" problems, but it is important to understand what to contact a specialist sooner or later, you will still have to, but the chances of a full recovery will be several times lower than with early detection of existing pathologies.

Annual examination by a proctologist is necessary for people at risk for colorectal cancer and malignant bowel diseases. These are, first of all, patients over 60 years old, persons suffering from obesity, chronic constipation, vascular disorders that can lead to impaired blood supply to the large intestine and the development of ischemic colitis. Regular bowel checks are also necessary for those who do not follow the principles of a healthy diet and abuse alcohol. The risk group also includes smokers: it has been proven that long-term smoking (longer than 3 years) increases the risk of developing colon cancer by almost 3 times.

An emergency (unscheduled) consultation of a proctologist is required if the following indications are present:

• anal bleeding (including mild bleeding);
• the appearance of mucus, streaks, inclusions and undigested particles in the feces;
• long-term stool disorder (the alternation of prolonged constipation with functional diarrhea is especially dangerous);
• change in the color and smell of feces, the appearance of a fetid odor from feces;
• painful urge to defecate;
• pain syndrome during and after bowel movement;
• itching and irritation in the pararectal and anorectal zones;
• signs of dyspepsia, provided that they occur against the background of at least one of the listed symptoms.

Important! A dangerous diagnostic symptom is the sensation of a foreign body in the rectum, which intensifies during the movement of the fecal lump. This symptom may indicate tumor diseases, therefore, in no case can it be ignored.

List of diseases

In order to understand exactly when it is necessary to seek the help of a proctologist, you need to know what diseases a specialist of this profile treats.

Haemorrhoids

This is the most common pathology of the rectum, which occurs mainly in people leading a sedentary lifestyle. Weakening of the immune system, bad habits, endocrine and vascular disorders can contribute to inflammation and expansion of the veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus. In women, hemorrhoids are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth.

Symptoms:

• swelling of the veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus, prolapse of hemorrhoids outside the anus;
• itching around the anus, which does not go away after correcting the hygiene regime and emotional state;
• anal bleeding of varying intensity;
• pain in the pararectal region, aggravated after prolonged sitting;
• painful bowel movements.

Rectal examination of the patient with a finger allows you to determine the presence of inflamed hemorrhoids, their size, number, degree of reduction. Also, the doctor examines the rectal mucosa for erosion, ulceration, increased pigmentation, scars, polypous growths. If the inflammatory process is accompanied by the release of exudate, the specialist will be able to visually assess its amount and identify signs of purulent processes.

The effectiveness of digital examination for hemorrhoids is about 90%. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient may be assigned a sigmoidoscopy or rectal examination using an ultrasound probe.

Injury, damage and cracks

These terms mean spontaneously arising defects (ruptures) of the epithelial membrane of the anal canal. This is the second most common proctological pathology, second only to hemorrhoids. Stool disorders (prolonged constipation or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days) are the main causes of cracks. If a person observes the rules of hygiene and a gentle regimen, such cracks heal on their own within 7-10 days.

A more severe clinical form, with which patients usually go to the doctor, are chronic fissures, in which the surface of the epithelial membrane, not only a local defect is visualized, but also the exposed areas of the muscles that form the anal sphincter.

Symptoms:

• severe pain of a sharp or cutting nature during or after bowel movements;
• prolonged spasm of the sphincter, manifested by constant pain and causing sleep disorders and behavioral changes (a person becomes irritable, restless);
• anal itching;
• bleeding of varying intensity (from drip to jet).

To diagnose anal fissures, in most cases, a digital examination and a visual examination of the rectum are sufficient.

Tumors of the anal canal

Rectal tumors can be benign (polyps, cysts) or malignant (colorectal cancer). It is almost impossible to diagnose pathology at an early stage due to the lack of specific symptoms. Tumors can grow in the intestines for several years, while the only complaints of the patient are usually flatulence, bloating, stool disorder. Pain syndrome in benign tumors, as well as cancer of 1-2 degrees, is practically absent, therefore, to draw a conclusion about the condition human health according to the existing meager symptoms can only be a doctor based on the results of instrumental and digital survey.

To diagnose tumors, the patient is usually assigned a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or irrigoscopy, during which biological material is taken for further histological research. To confirm the diagnosis, a blood test for tumor markers is also carried out. Secondary diagnostics aimed at identifying foci of metastasis (in most cases, metastases occur in the liver tissue) are of great diagnostic value.

Important! The average prognosis of survival for malignant bowel disease is about 2-5 years from the start of treatment, therefore, you should not postpone the trip to the proctologist if a person is at risk or notices anxious symptoms.

Inflammatory processes

Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the anus is called proctitis. Pathology often occurs against the background of improper treatment of infectious intestinal diseases, with poor intimate hygiene, and frequent wearing of synthetic underwear. Typical manifestations of proctitis are pain during bowel movements, bloating, flatulence, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Various examination methods are used to diagnose proctitis: digital examination, laboratory diagnosis of feces, hardware and instrumental methods.

How to prepare for the appointment?

If a proctologist's consultation is assigned to a person for the first time, special training is not required, but it is better to adhere to a sparing diet 2-3 days before admission. This is necessary to reduce gas production in the intestines, reduce discomfort in the lower abdomen and avoid involuntary discharge of gases during palpation or the introduction of instruments into the straight cavity intestines. You should refuse any foods that increase flatulence and bloating, as well as cause fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines. These products include:

• refined sugar;
• vegetables with a high content of starch or puric acid (cabbage, potatoes, beets, green peas, spinach, artichokes);
• sparkling water and soft drinks;
• mushrooms;
• chocolate and products prepared with the addition of cocoa butter;
• whole cow's milk.

If you suspect inflammatory processes, you should refuse spicy and too acidic foods - such dishes irritate the intestinal walls and can cause an increase in the existing symptoms. These are spices, seasonings, marinades with the addition of vinegar, pickle, smoked meats, citrus fruits.

Fighting the excitement

If a person is afraid of the unpleasant sensations that may arise during palpation of the rectum, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the possible intake of sedatives before taking it. It is better if these are herbal preparations with a mild sedative effect: they do not cause inhibition and have a small list of side effects and contraindications. Stronger drugs should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist, as they can depress respiratory and cardiac function.

Table. What sedatives can you take before taking.

Name of the medicine	Adult dosage
"Tenoten"	1-2 tablets 2 times a day for three days before taking.
"Persen"	2-3 tablets 3 times a day for 3-5 days before taking. On the eve of the consultation, take 2 tablets at bedtime.
"Novo-passit"	5 ml 3 times a day on the eve of admission.
"Nervohel"	1 tablet 3 times a day 2 days before taking.

To improve the patient's emotional state will help a sound, full sleep, a relaxing bath on the eve of the examination, herbal teas. Before bed, you can drink a glass of diluted goat's milk with honey to help relieve tension and anxiety.

Important! If no methods help to overcome the fear of visiting a proctologist, it is worth contacting a private clinic, where the examination can be carried out under sedation. The method is an immersion in a state similar to a dream, in which a person is conscious, but his pain receptors do not respond to external influences.

Proctology is a fairly young science, and proctologists are still not available in all medical institutions. Reception of a proctologist is not the most pleasant event, but you should understand its importance in order to make the right decision and overcome embarrassment and fear. Patients who are shown to consult a proctologist should know that late detection of rectal pathologies can lead to serious consequences, including malignant tumors.

Video - How is the examination by the proctologist going?