Difference between Rectal Doctor, Colon Surgeon and Gastroenterologist

Many times we observe, patients frequently do not know much if they need to see a Colon and Rectal doctor or a Gastroenterologist for their symptoms or condition. Furthermore, even more are puzzled as to the difference between a Colon and Rectal Surgeon and a Gastroenterologist. 

• Colon And Rectal Surgeons: Basically, the colon or rectal surgeons are the experts who have undertaken advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of rectum, colon and anus. Before that we use Proctologist tern in order to describe the Colon and Rectal surgeon. A colon and Rectal doctor performs the colonoscopy. This is an instrumental that assist in preventing colon cancer by removing precancerous colon polyps. Polyps are overgrowth of the lining of the colon or rectum. If left in place, polyps can become harmful.

• Colorectal surgeon: They are the professionals who treat different conditions for example hemorrhoids, rectal cancer, diverticulitis, anal fissures, and infections of the anus. In the case, when the medical treatment is not successful, the surgeons will perform the most relevant operation or the necessary test. In these tests, they usually perform a colonoscopy, a proctectomy, colectomy or colon resection or rectal removal, or a hemorrhoidectomy.

• Gastroenterologist: Mainly, the field of medicine recognized as gastroenterology subsists to diagnose and treat situation of the digestive tract affecting the gallbladder, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestines, colon or large intestines, rectum, and the ducts between all these organs. The Gastroenterologist is a surgeon who has completed training in general internal medicine and has accomplished further training in gastroenterology or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They analyze and treat health concerns affecting any part of the digestive tract. The digestive tract contains the colon, small intestine, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and liver.

It is recommended that you observe a gastroenterologist for the following gastrointestinal symptoms:

• Blood in stools

• Bowel changes

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Indigestion 

• Liver diseases 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Vomiting 

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin 

• Acid reflux/Heartburn or GERD; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Celiac Disease 

• Colon cancer prevention and screening 

• Colon polyps

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

• Infections of the intestinal tract 

• Lactose intolerance

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

So, this is all about the colon, rectal doctors or the Gastroenterologist.

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