Coloproctology

He deals with diseases of the anus and rectum. His task is to reach a diagnosis, through analysis of the symptoms, proctological assessment and any additional investigations, to propose the most suitable treatment and, when necessary, to perform surgery.

Since the anal region is considered particularly intimate and the pathology that most frequently affects it is benign, patients tend to postpone proctological examinations, tolerating uncomfortable symptoms for a long time, which very often can be resolved even without surgery.

Symptoms

Pain, bleeding, itching, difficulty going to the toilet.
Very rarely are these symptoms caused by a serious problem such as a neoplasm, more often they are caused by benign anal pathology (haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and fistulas, etc.).

The interview or anamnesis

The patient tells the doctor about his or her family history (family history of neoplastic diseases, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, etc.), and personal history (previous illnesses, interventions, if any), explains the symptoms that led him or her to the visit, and shows the results of any tests performed. The doctor will ask for details and clarifications and investigate the patient's lifestyle habits.

Rectoscopy and anoscopy

They allow observation of the internal appearance of the rectum and anal canal by introducing illuminated tubes into the anus. Usually these manoeuvres are well tolerated, inviting the patient to relax and trying to make him or her comfortable.

In some rare cases, it is necessary to resort to an anal evaluation under sedation, which requires the collaboration of an anaesthetist. the simple proctological evaluation is in most cases, sufficient to make a correct diagnosis.