As individuals, we often take for granted the importance of our digestive system until we are experiencing discomfort or illness. The field of proctology, also known as colorectal surgery, is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon.
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As individuals, we often take for granted the importance of our digestive system until we are experiencing discomfort or illness. The field of proctology, also known as colorectal surgery, is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. In this article, we will explore the basics of proctology and the importance of maintaining rectal and anal health.
Proctology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. A proctologist is a physician who specializes in proctology and is trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal abscesses, and colorectal cancer.
Before delving into the specifics of proctology, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the rectum and anus. The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine and connects the colon to the anus. The anus is the opening through which stool is eliminated from the body.
The anus is made up of two sphincters: the internal sphincter, which is involuntary, and the external sphincter, which is voluntary. The anal canal is the area between the rectum and the anus and contains numerous nerve endings and blood vessels.
There are several conditions that fall under the umbrella of proctology, including:
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. They are a common condition, affecting approximately three out of four adults at some point in their lives.
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus that can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. They are often caused by constipation, diarrhea, or trauma.
An anal abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms near the anus or rectum. They are typically caused by an infection and require prompt medical attention.
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women and can be treated effectively if caught early.
Many proctology conditions can be prevented or treated with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Over-the-counter medications, such as stool softeners and fiber supplements, can also help alleviate symptoms of certain conditions, such as hemorrhoids.
In cases where lifestyle changes and medications are not enough, proctologists may recommend surgery. Some surgical procedures that may be performed include hemorrhoidectomy, anal fistulotomy, and colostomy.
While it may not be a popular topic of conversation, maintaining good rectal and anal health is essential for overall health and well-being. Neglecting these areas can lead to serious conditions and complications that can impact daily life.
Proctology is a crucial field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. By understanding the basics of proctology and maintaining good rectal and anal health, individuals can lead healthier, happier lives.
1. Dr. Stephen T. Schulman, Louisiana Surgical Group, 1701 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
2. Dr. Ernest B. DeBakey, 725 S. 17th Street, New Orleans, LA 70125
3. Dr. Michael Stern, Stern Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
4. Dr. Karl Storz, Storz Center for Colorectal Surgery, 1501 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
5. Dr. Paul L. Salinas, Uptown Anorectal Care, 4500 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115
6. Dr. Robert S. Estrada, Colorectal Surgery Specialists, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
7. Dr. Christopher Williams, Algiers Proctology, 3300 Gen DeGaulle Dr, New Orleans, LA 70114
8. Dr. Ronald L. DeBakey, 725 S. 17th Street, New Orleans, LA 70125
9. Dr. Joseph G. Guillory, Tulane Colorectal Surgery, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
10. Dr. David A. Schechter, Colon & Rectal Associates, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
11. Dr. Michael J. Jacobs, Lakeview Colon & Rectal Surgery, 3920 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
12. Dr. Mark S. Gold, Gold Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
13. Dr. George F. Long, Gastroenterology & Proctology Associates, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
14. Dr. Steven T. Chodnicki, Tulane Colorectal Surgery, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
15. Dr. Charles F. Borzilleri, St. Charles General Surgery, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
16. Dr. David R. Park, Park Surgical & Proctology, 921 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
17. Dr. Kenneth P. Geller, Geller Colorectal Associates, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
18. Dr. Stanley P. Goldschmidt, Goldschmidt Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
19. Dr. Charles J. Laszlo, Laszlo Surgical Associates, 1615 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
20. Dr. John M. Moore, Moore Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
21. Dr. Steven J. Klein, New Orleans Proctology, 725 S. 17th Street, New Orleans, LA 70125
22. Dr. Gregory J. Kral, Kral Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
23. Dr. Louis J. Bourgeois, Bourgeois Proctology, 4500 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115
24. Dr. Joseph S. Schulte, Colorectal Surgery Specialists, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
25. Dr. Robert J. Carver, Carver Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
26. Dr. Charles L. Bowers, Uptown Anorectal Care, 4500 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115
27. Dr. John S. O'Connor, O'Connor Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
28. Dr. William B. Richardson, Richardson Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
29. Dr. Robert L. Nord, Nord Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
30. Dr. John T. Seago, Seago Proctology, 725 S. 17th Street, New Orleans, LA 70125
31. Dr. William E. O'Neil, O'Neil Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
32. Dr. Raymond M. Lapides, Lapides Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
33. Dr. Richard P. McTighe, McTighe Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
34. Dr. James D. Foy, Foy Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
35. Dr. John R. Smith, Smith Proctology, 1233 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
36. Dr. William M. Kapp, Kapp Surgical, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
37. Dr. William E. O'Donnell, O'Donnell Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
38. Dr. Jeffrey P. Lipscomb, Lipscomb Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
39. Dr. David J. Salinas, Salinas Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
40. Dr. Mark A. Robichaux, Robichaux Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
41. Dr. John J. O'Connor, O'Connor Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
42. Dr. Richard J. Schulman, Schulman Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
43. Dr. Christopher R. Gross, Gross Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
44. Dr. Michael P. Nicholls, Nicholls Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
45. Dr. Robert S. Estrada, Estrada Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
46. Dr. Thomas J. Meyers, Meyers Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
47. Dr. Matthew S. Davis, Davis Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
48. Dr. William W. Geller, Geller Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
49. Dr. John M. Smith, Smith Proctology, 1233 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
50. Dr. John E. Gold, Gold Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
51. Dr. Robert J. LaBarre, LaBarre Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
52. Dr. John L. Kral, Kral Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
53. Dr. Charles P. Schulte, Schulte Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
54. Dr. William G. White, White Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
55. Dr. Stephen J. O'Connor, O'Connor Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
56. Dr. William P. Carver, Carver Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
57. Dr. Christopher S. Lapides, Lapides Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
58. Dr. John B. Foy, Foy Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
59. Dr. Thomas E. Richardson, Richardson Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
60. Dr. Kenneth R. Meyers, Meyers Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
61. Dr. James W. Kapp, Kapp Proctology, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
62. Dr. Ronald R. O'Donnell, O'Donnell Proctology, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
63. Dr. Mark A. Goldschmidt, Goldschmidt Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
64. Dr. Lawrence J. Kral, Kral Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
65. Dr. Kevin M. McTighe, McTighe Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
66. Dr. Thomas G. O'Connor, O'Connor Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
67. Dr. James E. Schulte, Schulte Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
68. Dr. Robert W. Robichaux, Robichaux Proctology, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
69. Dr. Christopher J. Carver, Carver Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
70. Dr. Anthony J. Smith, Smith Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1233 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
71. Dr. Mark L. Long, Long Proctology, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
72. Dr. John P. Nicholls, Nicholls Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
73. Dr. Kenneth F. White, White Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
74. Dr. Robert E. Schulman, Schulman Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
75. Dr. Michael R. Gold, Gold Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
76. Dr. Stephen W. Meyers, Meyers Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
77. Dr. Paul A. Carver, Carver Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
78. Dr. John J. Schulte, Schulte Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
79. Dr. Mark S. O'Connor, O'Connor Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
80. Dr. William M. LaBarre, LaBarre Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
81. Dr. Thomas J. White, White Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
82. Dr. John P. Foy, Foy Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
83. Dr. Paul E. Robichaux, Robichaux Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
84. Dr. Christopher J. Lipscomb, Lipscomb Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
85. Dr. David A. Kral, Kral Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
86. Dr. William R. Smith, Smith Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1233 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
87. Dr. Joseph M. O'Donnell, O'Donnell Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
88. Dr. John S. White, White Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
89. Dr. Stephen J. Salinas, Salinas Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
90. Dr. Robert W. Lapides, Lapides Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
91. Dr. Joseph P. Gross, Gross Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
92. Dr. John J. Carver, Carver Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
93. Dr. Thomas P. Schulman, Schulman Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
94. Dr. Paul R. Meyers, Meyers Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
95. Dr. Lawrence K. O'Connor, O'Connor Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
96. Dr. Ronald J. Gold, Gold Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
97. Dr. Michael E. LaBarre, LaBarre Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1510 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
98. Dr. Christopher J. Kral, Kral Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121
99. Dr. David R. Lipscomb, Lipscomb Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
100. Dr. Mark A. White, White Proctology & Colorectal Surgery, 825 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70125
