Proctology

At UPMC, we provide care and treatment for people suffering from colorectal and anal diseases. Our doctors will assist you throughout the entire diagnostic and therapeutic process, including surgery if necessary.

The surgeries conducted are performed according to best practice techniques and are minimally invasive. The latter, thanks to the use of precision instruments, are performed by means of minimal incisions, reducing post-operative recovery times.

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UPMC offers proctology performance in the following structure:

• UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.

What is Proctology

Proctology is a specialized branch of medicine and surgery. It deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of pathologies affecting the colorectal and anus, the terminal part of the rectum intestine.

The colon and rectum are part of the human digestive system, especially the large intestine. In the colon, the last part of digestion takes place, with the absorption of water and some nutrients. In the rectum, on the other hand, waste substances pass, thanks to the involuntary movements of the muscles of the intestine. These substances make up the feces, which are eliminated through the last intestinal tract - the anus. The anus is a sphincter, or a muscular ring controlled mostly subconsciously by the central nervous system.

Colon health is fundamental to the well-being of our body. In the digestive system there are microorganisms that support digestion. There are also neurons that react to the stresses of the nervous system, for example when feel stress or anxiety.

The colon can become affected with diseases that affect the intestinal flora, or due to external pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. In the colon, rectum and anus, for example, neoplasms may develop. In the anus, in particular, fissures (ulcers) and fistulas may occur. The latter are channels that connect the inner part to the outside of the body, and can form as a result of inflammation, such as an abscess.

Proctology Services We Provide

UPMC offers excellent medical and diagnostic support to people who have colorectal or anus disorders or conditions. With us it is possible to make visits and specialized diagnostic tests such as:

• Anoscopy: To identify any abnormalities in the anus and rectum.
• Colonoscopy: To examine the entire colon and ascertain the presence or absence of abnormalities, such as tumor formations or polyps.
• Digital rectal examinations: To examine the lower rectum and prostate.
• Endorectal ultrasound: For the diagnosis of colorectal cancers.
• Proctoscopy: To take from the rectum and anus the tissue necessary to perform the biopsy or to remove polyps.
• Sigmoidoscopy: To examine the lower third of the colon, that is, the sigmoid colon.

At UPMC, you can also undergo traditional and minimally invasive surgery. Intervention may be necessary, for example, in case of fissures and fistulas, and, sometimes, even for those suffering from hemorrhoids. Surgery is also one of the specific treatments for colorectal and anus cancers. In these cases, in addition to the proctologist, we also involve our team of oncologists and oncological surgeons in the treatment of your case.

Proctology Conditions we Treat

The pathologies treated by the proctologist doctor are varied and quite different from each other. Among the most common are:

• Hemorrhoids: This is a condition that affects veins that are located in the rectum with a tendency to enlarge. Being frequently stressed by bodily evacuation, they can become inflamed, bleed, itch and cause pain.
• Crohn's disease: A chronic inflammation that can result in the presence of ulcers in the intestines.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: The symptoms of this condition are cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
• Diverticulitis: A condition that develops as a result of small sacs (diverticula) that are created in the intestine that can become inflamed.
• Fissures: These are ulcers that affect the anus, and can be very painful
• Fistulas: These are small channels that connect the anus and the surrounding skin. Fistulas can be formed as a result of severe inflammation, often provoked by an abscess.
• Warts: These are irregular growths, of variable size. They form around the margin and are caused by some sexually transmitted viruses.

Who Should Undergo a Proctological Examination?

You can turn to our specialists in proctology for the treatment of disorders affecting the colorectal and anus. In particular, if you suffer from symptoms that could be the indicator of a disease that affects the final tract of the intestine. These include:

• Rectal pain.
• Fecal incontinence.
• Bumps or the feeling of having a foreign body in the anal area.
• Itching or burning.
• Bleeding or other secretion from the anus.
• Constipation.
• Warts.

In addition, you should contact UPMC if you suffer from hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas, or if you need to remove intestinal polyps. We can help you and intervene even in case of rare proctological diseases, such as rectal tumors.