Proctology

At Mediclinic, our proctology teams look after the everyday problems of the anus and rectum, such as piles, fissures and fistulas (small tunnels that form near the anus). Most are diagnosed at the first visit and treated without a major operation; many in a single clinic appointment.

What is proctology?

Proctology is the care of the anus, anal canal and lower rectum. A proctologist examines the area, finds the cause of your symptoms and treats it in the clinic or with surgery, and follows up afterwards. Most problems are usually benign and noticed by the patient himself like haemorrhoids, anal fissures and perianal abscesses. Colorectal surgery, by contrast, looks after the wider bowel and its more serious diseases, and your doctor will guide you to the right department.

When should you see a proctologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Bright red blood in your stool or on the toilet paper
• Pain or aching around your bottom, or pain when passing stool
• An itchy bottom that won't settle
• A lump, swelling or something coming down from your anus
• Mucus or discharge, or leaking you can't control (incontinence)

Heavy bleeding from your rectum that will not stop, or passing large blood clots, needs emergency care: call for emergency help.

Anal symptoms are common and usually caused by something minor, but it's worth getting them checked. Though bright red bleeding is most often is due to Piles or a small tear a doctor should confirm the cause, particularly if bleeding lasts more than a few weeks or your bowel habits change. You can book a proctology appointment directly though your insurer may ask for a referral first.

What to expect

Your first visit is a conversation about your symptoms, followed by a gentle examination of the back passage. The proctologist may use a proctoscope, a short instrument that gives a clear view of the anal canal, and this takes only a few minutes. You usually don't need any special preparation beforehand. Most problems can be diagnosed this way, and sometimes a scan or a look higher up the bowel is arranged to be sure.

Treatment depends on what's found and often starts simply, with a change to your diet, a cream or a small clinic procedure. Piles are often treated with banding, a quick way to shrink them without an operation. Some problems need a short operation, usually as day surgery with a quick recovery. Your proctologist will talk you through the treatment options and explain what happens next.

Proctology at Mediclinic

We provide proctology care in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. One of our Dubai hospitals runs a dedicated proctology clinic. Common treatments, such as banding for piles, are performed there in a single visit without an overnight stay. Our surgeons diagnose and treat problems of the anus and rectum, and many can be treated in the clinic on the same day. When a problem requires more than one specialty, they work alongside gastroenterologists, radiologists, and pelvic floor physiotherapists. More serious cases may require a short operation, usually as day surgery, with follow-up afterwards to check that you are healing well.