At Baltic American Clinic, a proctologist provides consultations on diseases of the rectum and anus, such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas and other changes. During the consultation the symptoms are assessed, an examination is performed, proctological tests are done if needed, and an individual treatment plan is drawn up. Depending on the diagnosis, medication, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be recommended.
Sensitive health problems are discussed and examined with full respect for your privacy.
If needed, anoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy or a more detailed proctological examination is performed.
Depending on the condition, non-surgical, minimally invasive and surgical treatments may be used.
From the first consultation and diagnostics to the treatment plan and post-operative care.
When should you see a proctologist?
A proctology consultation is recommended if you have:
- Bleeding from the anus. You notice blood on toilet paper, on the surface of the stool or when passing stool. Even if you suspect haemorrhoids, the cause of the bleeding must be found.
- Pain when passing stool. You feel sharp, burning or lasting pain in the anal area.
- Itching and irritation. You have constant or recurring itching, stinging or a feeling of moisture.
- Lumps or swelling. You notice a lump, a painful hardening or prolapsing haemorrhoids in the anal area.
- Discharge from the anus. You notice mucus, pus or unusual seepage.
- Changes in bowel habits. Your bowel habits have changed, you feel that you have not fully emptied your bowels, or you have other long-lasting complaints.
- A previously diagnosed proctological condition. The symptoms have returned, treatment is not helping or a follow-up examination is needed.
- Surgery is being considered. You want to discuss whether surgery is needed, the alternatives and recovery.
Important. Rectal bleeding does not always mean haemorrhoids. It can also be caused by another bowel disease, so you should not rely on self-treatment alone.
If bleeding is heavy or you feel weak or faint, you need urgent medical help. Also seek urgent help if severe anal pain comes with fever, increasing swelling or a marked deterioration in your general condition. In life-threatening situations, call 112.
Which conditions does a proctologist diagnose and treat?
Haemorrhoids
Enlargement of internal or external haemorrhoids, which can cause bleeding, itching, discomfort or prolapse. Treatment is chosen according to the symptoms and the stage of the condition.
Anal fissure
A tear in the lining of the anus, often causing severe pain when passing stool and slight bleeding.
Perianal abscess
A collection of pus in the tissues around the anus caused by infection. This condition often needs urgent surgical assessment.
Anal fistula
An abnormal channel between the anal canal and the surrounding tissues, which can cause recurring discharge, inflammation or abscesses.
Thrombosed external haemorrhoid
A painful lump in the anal area that appears suddenly, related to a blood clot forming in an external haemorrhoid.
Anal papillomas and condylomas
Growths in the anal area whose nature and need for treatment are assessed by the doctor.
Pilonidal cyst
A cyst or inflamed growth that usually forms in the area of the sacrum and tailbone and can cause pain, pus discharge and recurring inflammation.
Other changes of the rectum and anus
The doctor assesses growths of unclear origin, bleeding and other symptoms. If a more serious disease of the colon or rectum is suspected, further tests may be recommended.
Which examinations are performed during a proctology consultation?
The scope of examinations depends on your complaints, the findings of the examination and the suspected condition.
- Examination of the anal area. The skin, external haemorrhoids, possible fissures, swelling, fistula openings or other changes are assessed.
- Digital rectal examination. If needed, an examination is performed to assess the condition of the anal canal and the lower part of the rectum. The doctor explains how it is done before the examination.
- Anoscopy. The anal canal and the lower part of the rectum are examined with a short instrument. The test helps to assess internal haemorrhoids and other changes.
- Rectosigmoidoscopy. An instrumental examination of the rectum and, depending on the extent of the examination, the lower part of the sigmoid colon.
- Detailed proctological examination. An assessment of your proctological condition, whose scope is chosen according to clinical indications.
If needed, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, especially if the cause of bleeding is unclear, your bowel habits have changed or the higher parts of the colon need to be assessed.
Not all examinations are performed at every consultation. Some tests require special preparation or a separate appointment.
How does a proctology consultation work?
Discussing your complaints
The doctor asks about your symptoms and how long you have had them, your bowel habits, previous treatment, the medicines you take and other health problems.
Examination
The anal area is examined. Depending on your complaints, a digital rectal examination may be performed if needed. The doctor explains in advance how the examination is done and why it is needed.
Further diagnostics
If needed, anoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or other tests are recommended. If a certain test is not advisable at that time because of severe pain or an acute condition, it may be postponed.
A treatment plan
The diagnosis, possible treatment methods, their advantages and limitations are discussed. If a procedure or operation is needed, the doctor explains the preparation, possible risks, recovery and expected costs.
Which treatments are used for proctological conditions?
Treatment depends on the condition found, its stage, the symptoms and your general health.
Conservative treatment
In some cases medication, changes to diet and bowel habits, relief of constipation and other measures are recommended.
Rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids (Barron procedure)
A minimally invasive procedure used in certain cases of internal haemorrhoids.
Laser treatment of haemorrhoids
Laser haemorrhoidoplasty may be recommended for certain patients. Whether this method is suitable depends on the type and stage of the haemorrhoids.
Surgical treatment of haemorrhoids
When less invasive methods are unsuitable or not effective enough, haemorrhoid surgery may be recommended.
Procedures and operations for other proctological conditions
Depending on the diagnosis, surgical treatment of anal fissures, fistulas, abscesses, condylomas or other changes may be used.
How to prepare for a proctology consultation
The first consultation usually needs no complicated preparation.
We recommend:
- Normal hygiene. Normal hygiene of the anal area before the visit is enough. Avoid intensive washing or irritating products.
- Test results you have. Bring the results of previous proctological tests, colonoscopy, biopsies or other relevant tests.
- Medicines you take. Tell the doctor about the medicines you take, especially those that affect blood clotting. Do not stop taking them on your own.
- How the symptoms have developed. Remember when the bleeding, pain or other symptoms started, how often they recur and what treatment you have already tried.
If anoscopy or rectosigmoidoscopy is planned, special bowel preparation may be needed. When booking, make sure to check whether the test is planned and which preparation instructions apply. Do not use enemas or laxatives on your own unless your doctor has told you to.
When may a proctological examination be postponed?
In some circumstances an instrumental examination may not be appropriate or its scope may need to be adjusted.
For example:
- When there is very severe pain or acute inflammation.
- When an acute perianal abscess is suspected, which first needs urgent treatment.
- When there is heavy bleeding or a severe general condition that requires urgent investigation.
- If you have not prepared properly for a planned instrumental examination.
The doctor decides whether the examination and tests are safe. Pregnancy in itself does not mean that a proctology consultation is not possible, but tests and treatment are chosen individually.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my family doctor for a proctology consultation?
A referral from your family doctor is usually not needed for a paid consultation at Baltic American Clinic. If you use health insurance or another method of payment, it is advisable to check the conditions when booking.
Is a proctological examination painful?
The examination may cause discomfort, especially if there is an anal fissure, inflammation or severe pain. The doctor takes into account how you feel and, if needed, adjusts how the examination is done and its scope.
Can I see a proctologist if I suspect haemorrhoids but have no bleeding?
Yes. Haemorrhoids can cause itching, prolapse, discomfort or swelling without bleeding. The consultation helps to determine whether the symptoms are really related to haemorrhoids.
Do I need an enema before a proctology consultation?
Not always. An enema is usually not needed for the consultation itself, but special preparation may be required before certain instrumental examinations. Follow the instructions you receive when booking.
Is anal bleeding always caused by haemorrhoids?
No. Bleeding can be caused by an anal fissure, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps or other diseases, including malignant ones. That is why recurrent bleeding or bleeding of unclear origin must be investigated.
Can a proctologist order a colonoscopy?
Yes. If the colon needs to be assessed because of your symptoms and risk factors, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. This test is not automatically needed for every proctology patient.
Can I see a doctor about haemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Yes. Haemorrhoid symptoms can appear or get worse during pregnancy. The doctor assesses your condition and chooses measures suitable during pregnancy, coordinating treatment with the specialist overseeing your pregnancy if needed.
Is haemorrhoid treatment carried out straight away during the proctology consultation?
Not necessarily. First the diagnosis is made and the need for treatment is assessed. Whether a procedure can be performed during the same visit depends on the medical indications, preparation and how the procedure is organised.
Can I get a second opinion before proctological surgery?
Yes. During the consultation you can discuss the diagnosis, the recommended operation, possible alternatives and the expected recovery period. Bring the results of tests you have already had.
Price of a proctology consultation
The price of a proctology consultation is set according to the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.
During the consultation the doctor discusses your individual treatment plan and the recommended tests, procedures or surgery, if needed. The expected cost of treatment is also discussed.
If further tests are needed to draw up the treatment plan, the scope and price of treatment are confirmed once the results are available. Anoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy, a more detailed proctological examination and other procedures are charged according to the clinic’s price list in force, depending on the service chosen.