Proctology

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Proctology is a field in medicine. The word Proctology is derived from the Greek words Proktos, meaning anus or hindparts, and Logos meaning science or study.

Physicians specializing in this field of medicine are more commonly called colorectal surgeons, as the term proctologist is outdated in the more traditional areas of medicine. A proctologist should be a surgeon by training. Proctologists often work closely with urologists.

In the United States, some surgeons (MDs) are certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery while some osteopathic surgeons (DOs), which are also equally licensed proctologists, are certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Proctology.

Contents 1 Scope of the specialty 2 See also 3 Pop culture references 4 External links

[edit] Scope of the specialty

Proctological disorders include:

• varicosities or swelling, and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus (Hemorrhoids)
• unnatural cracks or tears in the anus (Anal fissures)
• abnormal connections or passageways between the rectum or other anorectal area to the skin surface (Fistulas)
• severe constipation conditions
• fecal incontinence
• protrusion of the walls of the rectum through the anus (Rectal prolapse)
• birth defects such as the imperforate anus
• cancer of the colon and rectum (Colorectal cancer)
• anal cancer (rare)
• any injuries to the anus

[edit] See also

• The proctoscope (an instrument for visualizing the rectum)

[edit] Pop culture references

Seinfeld has an episode on the importance of proctology and the types of accidents that can happen. Kramer comments that proctologists always have the most interesting stories. In the episode The Fusilli Jerry, Frank Costanza sits on a miniature Jerry Seinfeld made out of raw fusili.

In the episode 704 "Cancelled" (A remake of episode 101) of the Comedy Central series South Park, one of the principal characters (Cartman) gets an anal probe when abducted by aliens. When the children realize this, they go see a proctologist.

In season 2 episode 6 of The Chasers War On Everything, the Chasers go into a bar dressed as the 3-minute proctologists.

In an episode of Home Improvement, Tim talks about how Jill's opera music sounds like a visit to a proctologist.

In the movie Reno 911! Miami, during the end credits, two of the officers are doing airport security checks and they see what appears to them as a bong and start playing with it. The "bong" was really a device used to remove trapped fecal matter, the passenger bringing it was a proctologist.

In The Office Season 2 Episode 7, "The Client", Michael Scott is telling a client at a local Chili's a joke. He says that one of the guys is an astronaut, so he drives a Saturn. The other is a pimp, and drives a cheap Escort. Finally, the third says, "I got you both beat. I'm a proctologist, so I drive a brown Probe".

It is mentioned in the video for Why's Everybody Always Pickin' On Me? by the Bloodhound Gang

Bobby Hill on the animated series King Of The Hill aspired to be a proctologist.

[edit] External links

• Anal Fissure Diagram
• American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
• American Osteopathic Board of Proctology.