Proctology is a medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the rectum, anus, and colon. While the term "proctology" is still commonly used, the field is now more accurately referred to as colorectal surgery, and specialists are known as colorectal surgeons. 

Conditions Treated

Colorectal surgeons manage a variety of conditions, including: 

• Hemorrhoids

• Anal fissures

• Anal fistulas

• Colorectal cancer

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

• Diverticulitis

• Rectal prolapse

• Fecal incontinence

• Anal abscesses

• Polyps

• Sexually transmitted infections affecting the anal region 

Diagnostic and Treatment Procedures

Colorectal surgeons utilize various diagnostic tools and procedures, such as: 

• Digital rectal exams

• Anoscopy

• Proctoscopy

• Sigmoidoscopy

• Colonoscopy

• Endorectal ultrasound  

Treatment options range from lifestyle and dietary modifications to medications and surgical interventions. Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, are commonly employed. Innovations like laser proctology offer benefits such as reduced tissue damage, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.

Common Anorectal Diseases Treated:

Piles (Hemorrhoids) : Swollen veins in or around the anus—cause bleeding, itching, pain mirahealthcare.in+8pristyncare.com+8krescenthealthcare.com+8
Anal Fissures : Small tears in the anal lining—sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements
Anal Fistulas : Infected tunnels between anal canal and skin—cause pain and pus drainage
Anal/Perianal Abscesses : Collections of pus near the anus—often progress to fistulas if untreated
Pilonidal Sinus : Infection/cyst near the tailbone—contains hair/debris causing pain
Rectal Prolapse / Rectocele : Weakening of pelvic support causing bulging—may involve prolapse of rectal wall
Colon Polyps / Colorectal Cancer : Growths or tumors in the colon — often requiring detection and removal
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis) : Chronic inflammation affecting rectum/colon
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, Diarrhea : Functional bowel disorders with pain, irregular bowel habits

Treatment Methods Typically Available

• Minimally-invasive & laser surgeries (for hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, pilonidal sinus, rectocele) 

• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy, LIFT procedure (fistula-specific)  

• Incision and drainage (for abscesses)  

• Advanced diagnostics: anoscopy, proctoscopy, colonoscopy, MRI fistulogram

Anal Fissures

• Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS)
  A small cut is made in the internal anal sphincter to reduce spasm and promote healing. Boasts ~90–96% healing rate in 3 weeks. Minor risk of incontinence. 

Anal Fistulas

• Fistulotomy
  The tract is laid open and drained so it can heal from the base; ideal for simple, low fistulas. Success rates are high (92–97%).  

• Fistulectomy
  Complete excision of the tract; less favored due to larger wounds and higher incontinence risk. 

• Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT)
  The tract is dissected and tied off; sphincter-sparing with ~76% success and low incontinence (~1.4%).  

• Advancement Flap (Anoplasty/Endorectal Advancement Flap)
  Uses a flap of tissue to cover the internal opening—~80% healing rate for complex fistulas. 

 Hemorrhoids

• Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy
  Surgical removal of hemorrhoidal tissue; effective but may cause significant postoperative pain.  

• Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH or STARR)
  A circular stapler resects and repositions prolapsed tissue. Less painful, though risks of urgency/incontinence exist.  

• Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD/Doppler-guided ligation)
  Arterial flow to hemorrhoids is ligated via Doppler guidance; minimally invasive with reduced pain. 

 Anal Abscesses

• Incision & Drainage (I&D)
  Immediate relief of pus collection. When combined with fistulotomy (if fistula present), recurrence drops ~83%.  

Rectal Prolapse & Obstructed Defecation

• STARR Procedure (Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection)
  Removes redundant rectal tissue via a stapler. Effective but somewhat controversial. 

• Ventral Rectopexy
  A laparoscopic abdominal procedure now preferred over STARR in many cases.

 Anal/Rectal Cancer & Severe Lesions

• Total Mesorectal Excision (TME)
  Standard for mid/low rectal cancer; removes rectum, mesorectum, and lymph nodes. Can be open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted.  

• Abdominoperineal Resection (APR)
  Removes anus, rectum, and part of sigmoid colon; results in permanent colostomy.  

• Hartmann’s Procedure
  Resection of diseased rectosigmoid, closure of the distal stump, and formation of end colostomy—used in emergencies or unfit patients.  

 Anal Stenosis & Stricture

• Anoplasty with Tissue Flaps (e.g., Y‑V, S‑flap, C‑flap)
  Scar tissue is excised and healthy skin/mucosa is advanced into the narrowed area. 

Congenital Anorectal Malformations (e.g., Imperforate Anus, ARM)

• Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP)
  Classic “pull-through” reconstruction to correctly position the anus within sphincter muscles. Often staged with colostomy. 

• Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (ASARP)
  Similar to PSARP but approached anteriorly—used for vestibular fistulae.  

• Laparoscopic- or Abdomino‑Posterior Pull‑Through
  Used for high malformations; combines abdominal mobilization with perineal repair.

Hemorrhoids (Piles): Rafaelo Radiofrequency Ablation

• Minimal pain under local anaesthesia

• Swift recovery—most can return to light office work in 24–48 hours

• Low downtime—patients resume short travel in just a few days; heavy lifting avoided for ~3 weeks  

• Adaptable for fissures and fistulas, promoting healing without invasive surgery  

Anal Fissures & Fistulas: Minimally Invasive Techniques

• Radiofrequency therapy (e.g., Rafaelo) for fissures/fistulas reduces tissue trauma and speeds recovery

• LIFT procedure and advancement flaps preserve sphincter function and reduce incontinence risk

Colorectal & Rectal Cancer: Robotic-Assisted and Laparoscopic Surgeries

• Robotic Precision: Enhanced dexterity, 3D vision, nerve-sparing—improves continence and sexual function 

• Higher sphincter preservation: More patients avoid permanent colostomy 

• Less blood loss, smaller incisions, faster healing—patients often resume normal lives within days 

• Case evidence: Young patient successfully returned to studies post-robotic surgery 

General Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery (e.g., at GEM, JV, ARC Clinics)

• Improved quality of life—alleviation of pain, bleeding, and incontinence symptoms 

• Faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays—thanks to laparoscopy and robotics 

• Precise removal of diseased tissue—better bowel function, reduced symptom recurrence 

• Affordability—advanced care at competitive costs, driving medical tourism

• Neu Health Care is a full-stack healthcare service provider with some of the best hospitals and clinics in Chennai. Our team at Neu Health Care will connect you with some of the best proctologists in Chennai and book an appointment according to your schedule.
• Fill out the patient form on our website www.neuhealthcare.in. A team of medical coordinators will reach out to you at the earliest and fix an appointment with the proctologist near your area according to your schedule.
• You can also connect with our medical coordinators directly through the contact number on our website. The medical coordinator will listen to your query and connect you with the proctologist and book an appointment consecutively.
• You can also book an appointment through our Neu Health Care app. Our team of medical coordinators will arrange an offline or video consultation with doctors near your area, charging a nominal consultation fee.