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Proctology, also known as part of colorectal surgery, is a branch of medicine that deals with the colon, rectum or anus. Common problems addressed in the proctology area include:
This is a common problem that affects the majority of adults at one time or another. Hemorrhoids are normal cushions of veins and tissue located in the anorectal area. However, the term is now commonly used to describe a condition where they become swollen, bleed, itch and cause pain. Hemorrhoids usually occur as a result of straining to move stool, but they may also be a byproduct of pregnancy, aging or intercourse. Hemorrhoids can be located further up in the rectum out of sight, where they are referred to as internal hemorrhoids. External or prolapsed hemorrhoids are those that protrude past the opening of the anus.
An anal fissure is a thin tear in the anal tissue. It may result in bright red bleeding when passing stool. Fissures can also lead to symptoms similar to those found with hemorrhoids, such as itching and pain. Anal fissures are often a result of either constipation or diarrhea. In some cases, the fissure does not heal properly, resulting in a painful sore that continues to open up and cause worsening symptoms. These severe and chronic fissures may require a doctor’s intervention to heal completely. Common causes of fissures are constipation, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), pregnancy and childbirth.
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that connects an infected anal gland or abscess to an opening in the skin around the anus. Symptoms often include discharge from the anus as well as pain and swelling. Fistulas typically do not go away on their own; surgery is often required to remove the fistula as well as the source of the infection. Treatment depends on the specific type of fistula, and there are a variety of treatment options available. Fistulas can be a complication of Crohn's disease, injuries and foreign bodies and certain infections.
If you have been diagnosed with or are concerned that you may have hemorrhoids, an anal fissure or an anal fistula, Dr. Ebanks can help address your concerns by properly diagnosing your condition and providing personalized treatment options. There are several treatment options available to our patients depending on the concern.
Most hemorrhoids can be treated at home with dietary and lifestyle changes as well as medication. However, for more severe cases, Dr. Ebanks may suggest sclerotherapy, hemorrhoidectomy and hemorrhoid stapling, which are surgical and vein procedures used to destroy or remove hemorrhoids.
For non-healing anal fissures, Dr. Ebanks may recommend either medications, injection or surgery. One surgical procedure for anal fissures is lateral internal sphincterotomy. It involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle to reduce tension and help the fissure heal. This is most suitable for cases where the fissure is a result of a thickened anal sphincter muscle. Another surgical option for anal fissures is advancement anal flaps.
Surgery is nearly always necessary for anal fistulas. Understanding the underlying causes and type of fistula you have is the first step in proper treatment. This is something Dr. Ebanks can help guide you through. A commonly performed surgery for anal fistulas is a fistulotomy, which involves cutting the fistula open so scar tissue forms to help it close. Another procedure is the advancement flap procedure for complex fistulas, where the surgeon identifies the internal opening of the fistula and cuts a flap of tissue around this opening to clean it and sew it up.
If you have symptoms of hemorrhoids, an anal fissure or an anal fistula, feel free to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Tanja Ebanks at Cayman Surgery in the Cayman Islands. Dr. Tanja is a general surgeon who has years of experience treating a wide range of disorders of the anal canal and rectum. She will carefully assess your condition and find the best treatment options for your case. To learn more about the procedures she offers, call Dr. Ebanks today at 345 946 0067. You can also fill out our online contact form to have a staff member call you at a more convenient time. You can message Cayman Surgery directly at office@caymansurgery.ky.
Your bowel habits should remain normal after most of the procedures mentioned above, especially those that leave the anal tissue intact. Advancement flaps and sphincterotomies come with a small risk of fecal incontinence, as do other procedures that require incisions in the anorectal region such as hemorrhoidal surgery.
Normally, proctology procedures are performed by a proctologist, a surgical specialist trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the anorectal region. However, general surgeons can also perform many of the procedures mentioned above. For procedures that require expert proctologists, Dr. Ebanks will be happy to refer you to a specialist in case you cannot receive a particular treatment in our office.
Your doctor or specialist will assess the type and severity of your condition to determine the best course of treatment. Surgery is always the last resort as a treatment for any condition, especially for those affecting the anus, rectum and colon. As a general rule, the more dangerous and debilitating a condition, the more likely it is to benefit from surgery as opposed to conservative treatment options.
Colon cancer usually does not cause any symptoms in its early stages, which is why a colonoscopy is so important. Any change in bowel habits, unexplained diarrhea or constipation, thin formed stool or blood on stool, should be a cause of concern. So do seek help from a professional if you have new symptoms that are becoming progressively worse.
In short, no. You can contact our office directly and we will perform the necessary diagnostic steps and suggest the best possible treatment for you.
