proctology
A specialist consultation with a proctologist is essential for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of conditions affecting the anorectal tract. These are often very common conditions, but, due to privacy concerns or embarrassment, they are sometimes neglected by patients until the symptoms become debilitating. Consulting a proctology specialist, however, allows these conditions to be addressed professionally, discreetly and promptly, promoting better recovery and effective long-term symptom management.
At our centre, proctological consultations are carried out by experienced doctors in dedicated facilities, with the utmost attention paid to patient comfort. The aim is to ensure an accurate diagnostic process, based on modern techniques and a compassionate, personalised approach.
What is a proctological examination for?
Proctology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lower bowel, the rectum and the anus. A consultation is advisable both when symptoms are present and as a preventive check-up, particularly for those with a family history of anorectal disorders or who have had previous episodes.
The most common symptoms requiring a specialist consultation include:
-
Anal pain or burning
-
Persistent itching
-
Blood in the stools or on toilet paper
-
Abnormal discharge
-
Feeling of a foreign body or rectal heaviness
-
Difficulty passing stools
-
Mucus discharge
-
Recurrent episodes of constipation or diarrhoea
-
Prolapse or protrusion of tissue
This examination is also particularly recommended for patients with lumps, swellings or visible lesions in the anal region, as well as for those suffering from faecal incontinence or pain whilst sitting.
The main conditions treated
A proctologist deals with a wide range of conditions, including:
-
Internal and external haemorrhoids
-
Anal fissures
-
Perianal abscesses and fistulas
-
Condylomas (genital warts)
-
Chronic constipation
-
Faecal incontinence
-
Rectal prolapse
-
Haemorrhoidal thrombosis
-
Anorectal infections
-
Inflammatory diseases of the rectum
-
Neoplasms of the anal canal and rectum
If treated promptly, these conditions can be managed effectively with drug therapies, lifestyle changes or minor, minimally invasive outpatient procedures.
How does a specialist consultation take place?
A proctological examination is a simple and quick procedure, carried out in a private setting with the utmost respect for your privacy. It generally consists of several stages.
1. Initial consultation (medical history)
The doctor gathers information on the patient’s general state of health, the onset of symptoms, bowel habits and any previous proctological conditions. This stage is important for assessing risk factors and guiding the subsequent clinical examination.
2. Physical examination
The specialist carries out an examination of the anorectal area to identify any visible abnormalities. The examination may include:
-
External examination
-
Gentle palpation
-
Digital rectal examination
-
Anoscopy (where indicated)
An anoscopy is a quick and generally painless examination, carried out using a small instrument that allows the doctor to view the anal canal and part of the rectum. It enables the doctor to accurately assess haemorrhoids, fissures, inflammation, swelling or bleeding.
3. Request for further investigations
Where necessary, the proctologist may recommend further investigations, including:
-
Colonoscopy
-
Endoanal ultrasound
-
Pelvic MRI
-
Blood tests
-
Functional assessments (anorectal manometry)
These tests enable a clear diagnosis to be made and an appropriate course of treatment to be determined.
4. Therapeutic indications
At the end of the consultation, the specialist will propose a personalised treatment plan, which may include:
-
Pharmacological treatments
-
Nutritional and behavioural advice
-
Topical treatments
-
Pelvic floor rehabilitation programmes
-
Outpatient procedures (elastic ligation, diathermy, sclerotherapy, etc.)
-
Referral for surgical intervention where necessary in the most complex cases