Proctology is a specialty within gastroenterology. A proctologist is therefore often trained as a gastroenterologist or digestive surgeon but has specialized in diseases of the anus and rectum.
Indeed, these conditions can be related to the digestive system or may require surgical treatment, which explains the need for this specialization.
What does a proctologist treat?
Although the proctologist is often considered the specialist for hemorrhoids (a condition affecting a large part of the population), they are qualified to treat many other disorders.
Among the main conditions managed by a proctologist are anal injuries such as fissures and abscesses, as well as fecal incontinence and severe constipation.
In addition, a proctologist also treats cancers such as colorectal cancer (colon and rectum cancer), as well as anal cancer, which is much rarer.