When you face problems with bowel movements or you have digestive problems caused by colons or abnormality of the rectum, then your physician is most likely to refer you to a proctologist or colorectal surgeon.
These specialists prefer to be called colorectal surgeons as the term proctology refers to the treatment and identification of the disorders related to the anus, rectum and colon whereas colorectal surgeons specialize in the entire gastric tract along with proctology.
These surgeons work as a part of medical teams that includes general practitioners, radiologists, nurses and dieticians. The surgeons consult with their team and patient in the office and perform surgeries in hospitals.
What does a colorectal surgeon do?
Typically, when a patient has a complex condition or requires surgery, he is recommended to a colorectal surgeon by a physician.
A proctologist works closely with:
- A urologist takes care of the urinary tract in women and the urogenital tract in males.
- Gynaecologists who specially deal with female issue and disorders.
- Gastroenterologists specialize in the treatment of diseases of the gut.
The different conditions a proctologist treats are:
- fetal incontinence,
- severe constipation,
- cancers of the colon and rectum,
- fissures,
- fistulas
- Rectal prolapsed (this is when the rectum turns itself inside out).
Surgical Procedures used by a proctologist:
- Colonoscopies,
- colectomies or colon resections,
- a proctectomy or rectal removal, or a hemorrhoidectomy.
- IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) surgeries such as resections, ostomies, j-pouches, and strictureplasty.
Job Description
- Most of the patients a proctologist consults are referred by a physician.
- This professional using colonoscopy to evaluate the health of the colon and looks for signs of colon cancer or polyps.
- A proctologist should diagnose and treat the various diseases and disorders related to the anus, rectum and colon.
- He should be able to use utilizing techniques like speaking about experiencing symptoms and medical history with the patient, examining the rectum and colon with the help of instruments, inspect the affected parts by using diagnostic images and study the lab test reports.
- Suggest suitable treatment for the patient based on the type of disorder and the disease. The treatment option can be the removal of malfunctioning diseased parts with the help of surgery or repairing the parts. The other option can be a prescription of medicines or advice to the patient to monitor his living habits by suggesting dietary changes, use of certain foods in the diet, starting a workout routine.
- Expertise to perform surgeries of haemorrhoid banding and excision, bile duct reconstruction, resection of the colon, or an appendectomy.
- Patients suffering from specific conditions like diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome are also managed by a proctologist.
- He should be able to examine the patients for signs of pain, discomfort, swelling, growth, constipation and other factors that are linked to colon, anus or rectum.
Educational Requirements and training
Becoming a proctologist is a long and tiresome journey. The educational process is more demanding than other fields and the job can be stressful. The process of getting a job in this field is similar to other physicians.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: No specific degree is essential to get into the medical field but it is advisable to pursue a degree in subjects like biology, physics and chemistry that is applicable or related to the medical field.
- Qualify for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and obtain a letter of recommendation from the undergraduate school for admission into medical college.
- Then get admission to medical school and graduate with a medical degree. Get accepted into a medical college is not an easy task. Only top scoring students who pass the MCAT are eligible for admission.
- After graduation from medical college, get a Medical Doctor or M.D degree. 8 years of education and training is required to become a proctologist.
- For a potential proctologist, training sessions through residencies and fellowships are needed. A General Residency surgery of 5-6 years and for proctologists a colorectal fellow residency of 1-2 years is needed.
- After completion of residency, the candidate has to write the Medical Licensing Examination and then the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery before starting to work as a proctologist.
Salary of proctologists based on experience levels
To become a proctologist is not an easy job. But the desire to help other human beings move to a healthier and comfortable life is not enough to inspire you than the salary will.
According to Salary Expert, the average salary based on experience in the field is as follows:
- 1-3 years of experience: $246,796
- 4-7 years of experience: $380,708
- 8+ years of experience: $525,569
– Samiya Firdous
