Proctology

Proctology

What is proctology?

Proctology is the medical speciality concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect the rectum and anus (e.g. haemorrhoids). Disorders in the anal area are quite common and can often be treated very well. A proctologist is a doctor specialised in the rectum, anus and the gastrointestinal tract.

Your first appointment

If you want a consultation, tell the assistant you would like to make an appointment with the dermatologist-proctologist. If you have been referred, you should bring a referral note from your GP, your ID and your health insurance card with you when you visit our clinic for the first time. We are legally obliged to check these documents. We would also appreciate it if you bring a list with you of the medication you are taking.
The intake interview will be conducted by the dermatologist-proctologist and will take about thirty minutes. At this appointment, you and the proctologist may agree to start treatment straight away. You are therefore advised to bring extra underwear with you to the appointment.

What does the examination entail?

A proctoscopy is a safe examination, which is well tolerated. The patient lies on his/her left side on the examination table. The dermatologist- proctologist will perform a visual and digital examination of the anus. The proctologist will then insert the proctoscope. This may cause some internal pressure. In rare cases, it may cause a small tear in the skin of the anus.

Preparation

Proctoscopy requires little preparation. You will be asked to administer an enema to yourself the night before the day of the examination and two hours before the examination. This will stimulate the urge to defecate. Your bowels need to be empty for the examination.

Potential complications after examination or treatment

Blood loss after treatment of haemorrhoids or fistulas, or after biopsies, is a common complication, but is rarely serious and does usually not persist. By using the latest methods, we try to limit pain to a minimum. The chance that symptoms will recur after treatment is low if your stool is normal and does not require straining.

Medicines

If you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), please inform the physician. The physician will ask you about this during the first consultation. You should also inform the physician if you have man-made materials in your body, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.

Are any additional examinations required?

If the physician finds any abnormalities during the proctoscopy, he will take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for further examination. A biopsy is not painful, but often causes some bleeding. The results of the examination of the biopsy material will be known after about 1-2 weeks.

Prices

• Consultation including proctological examination and counselling session without proctological intervention, including follow-up visits within 3 months of the first appointment: €350.00
• Consultation including proctological examination and counselling session and minor proctological intervention (e.g. applying liquid nitrogen to warts) including follow-up visits within 6 weeks of the first appointment: €350.00
• Consultation including proctological examination, counselling session and treatment of haemorrhoids (ligation) including follow-up visits within 6 weeks of the first appointment: €500.00

Other prices: see under heading ‘Reimbursements’ on this website

Frequently asked questions about proctology

What does a proctologist do?

A proctologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions around and in the anus.

What conditions does a proctologist treat?

A proctologist treats conditions related to the anus and the area around it. A proctologist treats hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, marisks, itching and STDs, among other conditions.

When should you consult a proctologist?

Consult a proctologist for complaints such as persistent pain in the anus or rectum, blood in the stool, itching, swelling or changes in bowel movements. It is also wise to consult a proctologist for problems such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures or fistulas.

Is preparation required for a proctological examination?

Most proctological examinations do not require extensive preparation. Sometimes it may be necessary to empty the bowels beforehand, such as with a laxative. Your doctor will give specific instructions for this depending on the type of examination.

Is proctological examination painful?

Proctological examination is usually not painful. In some cases it may cause discomfort, but this is often temporary. If more invasive examination or treatment is needed, an anesthetic may be used to relieve pain.