What is Colon & Rectal Surgery?
Colon and rectal surgery is the medical specialty that deals with diseases and disorders of the lower intestinal tract, colon, rectum, and anus. The specialty was previously known as proctology, and some physicians who specifically treat diseases of the rectum and anus may still call themselves proctologists; but in general that term is not currently used. While colon and rectal surgery is related to gastroenterology, only colon and rectal surgeons can provide surgical care. Colon and rectal surgeons can offer routine screenings for common health conditions affecting the colon and rectum. They have also undergone advanced surgical training, and they are able to treat conditions affecting the lower intestinal tract with surgery when needed. Some conditions that a colon and rectal surgeon might treat include:- Serious and chronic constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures, or tears in the skin around the anus
- Anal abscesses and fistulae
- Anal incontinence
- Intestinal polyps
- Colon and rectal cancer
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