Proctology

Patients may need to see a proctologist to treat a lower digestive tract disease. MaineHealth has proctologists who specialize in corrective colorectal surgery to provide patients with the best results.

What is proctology?

Proctology is the medical specialty that focuses on diseases of the colon, rectum and anus.

Common conditions that may be treated by a proctologist include:

  • Anal fissures
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Colon polyps
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Constipation
  • Diverticulitis
  • Gallstones
  • Hernias
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

Proctology procedures

Proctologists preform corrective colorectal surgeries to repair the colon, rectum or anus. They preform surgeries that can involve the removal of parts of organs, or the removal of whole organs, such as the gallbladder.

Ask your primary care provider if surgery may be needed to treat a lower digestive tract problem.

A proctologist is a surgical specialist with a focus on diagnosing and treating disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. Proctologists often are seen for complex lower digestive tract issues or when surgery is needed to treat the patient.

Proctologists are different than gastroenterologists, though both deal with gastrointestinal issues in patients. Gastroenterologists perform diagnostic procedures. They do not often perform surgeries to treat patients. That is the role and specialty area of the proctologist.

Patients typically need to a referral to see these specialists. Talk to your primary care provider if you have a digestive problem that may require specialty care.