Medical Conditions

• Haemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Abscesses
• Fistulas
• Cancer of the bowel, especially colon, rectum or anus
• Polyps
• Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Pruritis ani
• Proctitis
• Bleeding from the bowel
• Change in bowel habit
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea

Specialty Areas of Interest

• Cancer of the lower digestive tract

Associated Tests

• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Rigid sigmoidoscopy
• Blood tests
• CT scan
• Barium enema

Procedures

• Haemorrhoidectomy
• Bowel resection
• AP resection
• Colostomy
• Abcsess drainage

What to expect

History

History will focus on your presenting complaint. When it began, how it developed and how it effects your life are important. Other medical problems, previous treatments and medications are also very important.

Examination

Your colorectal surgeon will examine anus, and will probably perform a digital rectal examination. Here a gloved figner is placed into the rectum to detect any masses, bleeding, tenderness or other clues to the cause and severity of the relevant condition. The surgeon will also examine your abdomen, feeling for masses or tenderness.

Training and Qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Colorectal Surgeon
• Colorectal Surgical Society of Australasia

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.