Proctological Consultation

Rectal bleeding, pain, itching, burning or a lump near the anus are symptoms that should not be ignored. A proctology consultation helps determine the cause of the problem and plan treatment — often before the condition becomes more advanced.

At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk, a proctology consultation takes place in a calm and discreet atmosphere. The doctor takes a medical history, performs an examination and — if indicated — may recommend additional diagnostics, such as anoscopy.

When should you see a proctologist?

It is worth seeing a proctologist whenever symptoms appear around the anus or rectum. Even minor bleeding, pain or itching can have different causes — from mild conditions to problems that require prompt diagnosis.

• rectal bleeding,
• anal pain or pain during bowel movements,
• itching, burning or irritation,
• a lump near the anus,
• a feeling of incomplete bowel movement,
• mucus, discharge or recurrent staining of underwear,
• suspected haemorrhoids, anal fissure, abscess or fistula.

See also: rectal bleeding — when is it a cause for concern? and a lump near the anus — what could it be?.

What does a proctology consultation look like?

A visit to a proctologist usually consists of a conversation, assessment of symptoms and an examination. The doctor explains what they are going to do and why a given examination is needed. The aim of the visit is to make the most accurate diagnosis possible and choose appropriate treatment.

1. Medical history

The doctor asks about symptoms, how long they have been present, bleeding, pain, bowel movement pattern, chronic diseases, medications taken and any previous proctological treatment.

2. Proctological examination

The examination may include assessment of the anal area and a digital rectal examination, i.e. a brief examination with a finger. This is an important part of diagnostics, but it is not always enough for a full assessment of the anal canal.

3. Anoscopy, if indicated

If needed, the doctor may perform or suggest anoscopy. This examination allows the doctor to view the anal canal and the lower part of the rectum — areas that cannot be accurately assessed by palpation alone.

Why is a finger examination alone not always enough?

A digital rectal examination is important, but it has limitations. The doctor can assess sphincter tone, tenderness, and the presence of some lesions or lumps, but cannot see the mucosa of the anal canal in detail.

To put it simply: we do not have a “camera in the finger”. If the doctor feels a lesion, it is not always possible to determine its exact nature by touch alone.

That is why anoscopy is important in many situations. It allows the doctor to see the lesion, assess the source of bleeding and distinguish, for example, haemorrhoids from other diseases that require further diagnostics.

Is a proctological examination painful?

In most cases, a proctological examination is not painful, although it may involve some discomfort. The doctor performs it gently and adjusts the scope of the examination to the patient’s symptoms and tolerance.

• the examination usually takes a few minutes,
• it may cause a feeling of pressure or slight discomfort,
• in case of severe pain, the doctor may limit the scope of the examination,
• the patient is informed about each stage of the visit.

More information is available here: does a proctological examination hurt?.

What can be detected during the consultation?

A proctology consultation can help diagnose many common diseases of the anus and rectum. Some of them can be treated conservatively, while others require procedural treatment or further diagnostics.

• haemorrhoids,
• perianal thrombosis / thrombosed haemorrhoid,
• anal fissure,
• perianal abscess,
• anal fistula,
• inflammatory changes, lumps, polyps or other lesions requiring further diagnostics,
• cancerous or suspicious lesions.

How to prepare for a visit to a proctologist?

For a standard proctology consultation, special preparation is usually not required. Basic hygiene of the anal area and bringing medical documentation, if you have any, are usually sufficient.

• you do not need to fast,
• routine enema is not required unless the doctor recommends otherwise,
• it is worth bringing previous test results, colonoscopy reports, hospital discharge summaries or a list of medications,
• it is important to tell the doctor about blood thinners, chronic diseases and allergies.

Most common proctological problems

• Haemorrhoids — when do they require treatment?
• Haemorrhoidal thrombosis / perianal thrombosis
• Anal fissure
• Perianal abscess
• Anal fistula

Who performs proctology consultations?

Proctology consultations at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej are provided by doctors who diagnose and treat diseases of the anus and rectum.

• Dr Kamil Smok — proctology, surgery.
• Dr Sara Godyńska — proctology, surgery.
• Dr Justyna Szul — proctology, surgery.
• Dr Piotr Rak — surgery, oncological surgery, proctology.

More information about our specialists is available here: Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej team.

Price of a proctology consultation

The price of a proctology consultation and any additional examinations depends on the scope of the visit. Current information is available in the price list.

If anoscopy or another procedure is needed during the visit, the doctor will discuss it with the patient before performing the examination.

Related consultations and examinations

• Proctology consultation in Gdańsk
• Anoscopy
• Surgical consultation in Gdańsk
• Gastroenterology consultation
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• Specialist reviews