Colonoscopy is a common and effective procedure that helps a doctor in examination and diagnosis. It is a procedure to visually examine the inside of the colon, and the large intestine for any abnormalities. In some cases, it is a routine examination, if the doctor needs further investigation in cases of diagnosing illnesses of the region. A thin tube that has a camera with a light at one end, is inserted through the anal opening to probe inside the large intestine. This process helps in the detection of polyps and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Tissue samples for biopsy can also be collected in the process.

Colonoscopy may be needed when:

• There is anal bleeding and pain
• Blood is seen in stools
• There is chronic constipation, diarrhea 
• Discomfort in the abdomen, bloating and cramps are felt
• In cases of anemia, fatigue, malnutrition
• Anal fissures and fistulas are observed

Proctology

Proctology is the medical specialty that focuses on diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Colorectal surgeons manage diseases of the intestinal tract, consisting of colon, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area. They treat conditions like:

• Abscesses and fistulae. These are infections near the anus and rectum.
• Anal skin tags or small bumps of skin around the anus.
• Diverticulitis. -condition in which pouches form in weak spots along the digestive tract.
• Fissures or small tears in the anal lining.
• Hemorrhoids.or swollen veins that can occur internally or externally around the anus.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or inflammatory disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or intestinal disorders unrelated to IBD that can include bloating, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Polyps. These arepre cancerous growths that have the potential to become colorectal cancer.
• Rectal prolapse or a condition in which the rectum begins to fall from its position into the anal opening.

At Medstar Specialty Center, we use minimally invasive techniques to treat all proctological problems from hemorrhoids or piles, anal fistula and anal fissures.The Proctology Department at Medstar Speciality Center is led by a team of male and female surgeons who are experts in a wide range of treatments for simple and complex conditions affecting the anus and rectum.

When to see a proctologist?

if you have symptoms like:

• anal itching or burning
• Lump, bump, or inflammation in the skin in the anal area
• bleeding or other discharge from the anus
• anal or rectal pain
• anal warts, bumps, or the sensation of a foreign body
• fecal incontinence