Proctology

Proctology is a field of medicine that deals with disorders and diseases that affect the colon, the pelvic floor, the rectum, and the anus. The word derives from the Greek terms proktos, which refers to the anus, and logos for study. Proctologists deal with hemorrhoids and other swellings and inflammation of the veins in the rectum and anus (known as proctitis), unnatural cracks or tears in the anus, fistu-las—abnormal connections between the rectum and other anorectal areas to the skin surface, any protrusion of the walls of the rectum into the anus (usually known as rectal prolapse), prolonged constipation, colorectal cancer, anal cancer, or birth defects such as an imperforate anus.

Traditionally, the proctoscope was used, but now X-rays and other machinery can also be used.

The term proctology is still occasionally used, although proctologists are generally being referred to as colorectal surgeons. Indeed, proctologists are a specialized field of surgeons, and they often work closely with urologists. The American Osteopathic Board of Proctology still certifies osteopathic physicians in the United States, with allopathic physicians being certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. In 1968, the 3rd International Congress of Hedrologicum Conlegium brought together proctologists from all over the world in Nuremberg, Germany.

There are two journals devoted to proctology: American Journal of Proctology, Gastroenterology and Colon & Rectal Surgery and American Journal of Proctology, which is the official publication of the International Academy of Proctology, and has been published since 1950.