Effective Treatment For Ano-rectal Conditions

With years of experience and a team of skilled medical professionals, we are committed to delivering the highest quality ano-rectal care and ensuring the well-being of our patients. Whether you are seeking treatment for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or any other ano-rectal conditions, our comprehensive approach and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment. Trust us to provide you with the relief and expert care you deserve.

What is proctology?

Proctology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders related to the anus, rectum, and colon. It involves both surgical and non-surgical approaches to manage various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system.

A proctologist is a surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the colon, anus, and rectum.

Conditions Treated

Anorectal conditions are those which affect the anus and rectum. These can be caused by a variety of factors, such as infection, inflammation, trauma, and tumors. Some common conditions include:

• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are also known as piles, in which swollen veins protrude from the lower part of the anus. Piles can develop for many reasons, such as constipation, older age, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, etc. Symptoms of piles usually include painful bulge, bleeding, swelling around the anus, and irritation or itching in the anal area.
• Anal Fissures: Anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anus. It may occur while passing hard stools. It is common in infants and pregnant women. Anal fissures usually heal on their own within a week or two. Common symptoms of anal fissures are bleeding, itching or inflammation, and sharp pain during bowel movement.
• Anal Fistula: Anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops from inside the anus to the skin outside. It may form due to the infection in anal gland. Sometimes, non-surgical treatment may provide a relief from the symptoms of anal fistula but surgery is typically, always required to treat the condition properly.
• Pilonidal Sinuses: Pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel at the top of the buttock where they divide (cleft). It may be filled with pus or abscess, which leads to the formation of a cyst. A pilonidal sinus usually contains hair, dirt and debris. If left untreated, it may cause infection which may ooze pus, blood and foul odor.
• Anal Skin Tags: Anal skin tags are benign growth of skin around the anus. Usually anal tags are asymptomatic, however, they are a cause of concern for several people for cosmetic reasons.
• Diverticulitis: It is an inflammation or infection in one or more pouches in the digestive tract. It is more common after 40. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea and changes in bowel movements.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD refers toan inflammation in all or any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms of IBD may vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and where it occurs. Common symptoms include diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, unintended weight loss etc.
• Rectal Prolapse: A condition when a part of the large intestine slips outside the anus. It is most common in older women but may occur in men and women both. It can be caused due to multiple births through vaginal delivery. Lifestyle changes and exercise may provide relief if it is found in early stages, but some people need medical intervention.

How are proctological conditions diagnosed?

Here are some common diagnostic tests that can help diagnose anorectal diseases:

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inner lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon. It is typically performed to screen for colorectal cancer or to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or persistent changes in bowel habits.

Anoscopy: Anoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the anus and lower part of the rectum. It involves the insertion of a small tube called an anoscope into the anus to visualize any abnormalities, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. This procedure is often performed to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the anal region, allowing for appropriate treatment to be administered. Anoscopy is typically a quick and relatively painless procedure that can provide valuable insights into the health of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Digital rectal exam: Digital rectal exam is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to assess the prostate gland in men and the pelvic organs in women. It is commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, assess rectal bleeding, and evaluate symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. This exam is typically performed by a healthcare professional and may cause slight discomfort but is generally well-tolerated. It is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of various conditions affecting the rectum and surrounding structures.

Endorectal ultrasound: Endorectal ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses a small probe to create images of the rectum and surrounding tissues. It is commonly used to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer, as well as to evaluate other conditions such as rectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. During the procedure, the probe is inserted into the rectum and emits sound waves that bounce off the tissues, creating detailed images that can help guide treatment decisions. Endorectal ultrasound is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that provides valuable information for the management of various rectal and colorectal conditions.

Proctoscopy: Proctoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the rectum using a proctoscope. This instrument is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera attached to it, allowing the doctor to visualize the rectal area. Proctoscopy is commonly performed to diagnose and monitor conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal polyps, and colorectal cancer. During the procedure, the proctoscope is gently inserted into the rectum, and the doctor carefully examines the rectal lining for any abnormalities or signs of disease. Proctoscopy is a relatively quick and safe procedure that can provide valuable information about the health of the rectum and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a healthcare professional to examine the lower part of the large intestine. It involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a light and camera into the rectum to check for abnormalities such as polyps or inflammation. This procedure is commonly used to evaluate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or to screen for colorectal cancer. It is a relatively safe and effective method for diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Proctological Procedures

Anorectal conditions can be treated through various methods depending on the requirements of the case. Here's a list of some common proctological procedures:

Hemorrhoidectomy

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area. This procedure is usually recommended when other non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful in providing relief. Hemorrhoidectomy involves the complete removal of the hemorrhoids, providing long-lasting relief from symptoms such as pain, itching, and bleeding.

Fistulotomy

Fistulotomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat an anal fistula. It involves making an incision along the length of the fistula tract to create an opening, allowing for drainage and healing. This procedure is commonly used to alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge associated with anal fistulas.

Anal sphincterotomy

Anal sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the incision of the anal sphincter muscle. It is typically performed to treat conditions such as anal fissures or certain types of anal fistulas. The purpose of the procedure is to relieve pain and promote healing in the affected area. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully cuts the muscle fibers of the anal sphincter, allowing the muscle to relax and reduce the pressure on the anal canal. This helps to improve blood flow and promote the healing process. Anal sphincterotomy is considered a safe and effective procedure, with a high success rate in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients.

Rectopexy

Rectopexy is a surgical procedure used to treat rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum protrudes through the anus. During rectopexy, the rectum is surgically repositioned and attached to the surrounding tissue to prevent further prolapse. This procedure can be performed through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. Rectopexy aims to provide long-term relief from rectal prolapse and restore normal bowel function.

How to find a good proctologist?

It is always important to find an experienced proctologist to get the treatment. Here are some things you should keep in mind while you searching for a doctor to get treatment for anorectal issues:

Ask for referrals: Get referrals from your trusted colleagues, friends, or your primary doctor to have options and choose among them.

Doctor's experience: Before finalizing the doctor, kindly research how many years of hands-on experience the surgeon has in this field.

Doctor's Skills: It is important to research the skills and experience of the doctor thoroughly. You can ask questions to ensure that the surgeon is well-versed with the latest techniques of the procedure and all. Also, it is important to consider the doctor's experience level before finalizing them.

Doctor's certification: Before undergoing the procedure, you should ensure that the surgeon who will perform the procedure is fully certified.

Get reviews from former patients: To be assured about the doctor, you should check reviews of the previous patients who have undergone the same treatment under the same doctor. It is the best way to be assured that you are in safe hands.

Ask Questions: Before undergoing the procedure, you should ask all the questions you may have in your mind about the procedure. Here's a list of questions you can ask your surgeon:

• What is your experience in performing anorectal surgeries?
• What is the best method for my problem?
• What are the risks and complications associated with the procedure?
• What is the expected level of pain during and after the surgery?
• How much time will it take to recover after the surgery?

Are proctological conditions covered under health insurance?

Yes, almost all the proctological (anorectal) conditions are covered under health insurance, but if their treatment is medically necessary. However, the coverage of the policy may vary depending on exclusions, deductibles and copayments etc. Some insurance companies provide complete coverage for anorectal conditions, whereas some provide partial coverage.

It is important to ask your insurance provider to understand your policy coverage better. Here's a list of the top insurance providers in India that cover the cost of the anorectal conditions:

• Aditya birla health insurance
• Niva bupa health insurance
• Care health insurance
• Star health insurance