Proctology is a field of medical science that deals with anal, rectum and colon disorders. Colorectal surgery is a part of this specialization that treats haemorrhoid and other anal disorders. Physicians and surgeons specializing in this domain are called the colorectal surgeons. There are various medical centers and clinics in Singapore and all across the globe that offer colorectal surgeries at affordable fees. However, Singapore stands atop other countries in this domain.

Colorectal surgery is prescribed to men suffering from haemorrhoid diseases. However, haemorrhoidal disease or piles is one of the most common of all haemorrhoid diseases. Piles are a condition when haemorrhoids or the vascular structures present inside the anal canal or the rectum get inflamed due to infection. Slight bleeding, pain and discomfort while movements are a few of the major symptoms of piles. As soon as one notices these symptoms, immediate medical assistance is needed.

Here is a list of few more haemorrhoidal diseases treated with colorectal surgery-

• 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
• Treatment of severe colic disorders, such as Crohn's disease
• Cancer of the colon and rectum (Colorectal cancer)
• Repositioning of the rectal area if fallen out.
• Anal cancer (rare)
• Any injuries to the anus
• Removal of objects deliberately inserted into anus

Doctors and colorectal surgeons follow various diagnostic procedures to detect these problems: colonoscopy, proctoscopy, defecating photography and sigmoidoscopy are a few to name.

Based on the results of these diagnostic procedures, doctors plan the future line of treatment and decide which surgical procedure to follow. Some of the surgical procedures which they follow based on the patient's health condition are: colectomy, ileo/colostomy, polypectomy, strictureplasty, open and stapler hemorrhoidectomy (in severe cases of haemorrhoids) and anoplasty.

Most of the colorectal diseases are treated with medicines. Doctors often advise patients to intake more fluids, juices, fruits and less solid foods so that the bowel movement gets smooth and doesn't increases the pain. However, there are severe cases of colorectal disease when the infected tissues become cancerous and may require surgical attention. There are three major surgeries prescribed by the doctors depending upon the patient's condition and the stage of haemorrhoid disease. Here are a few highlights about these surgeries-

#1 Open Haemorrhoidectomy-
This is a conventional yet most successful procedure that helps cure the third and fourth degree piles. It is a two to three hours surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. After patient is injected with local anesthesia near the affected area, piles are cut off from base leaving a wound which generally heals within six to eight weeks. Regular dressing of wound and minimal body movement is advised when patient gets discharged.

#2 Stapler Haemorrhoidectomy-
To reduce pain and blood loss this latest technique is preferred by many doctors and colorectal surgeons in Singapore. Here cuff of tissue is removed from the area just above the piles and stapled which results in the piles being pulled back into their normal positions within the rectum. Eventually, piles shrink and stop bleeding. It usually heals within 1-2 weeks and is less painful.

Apart from these two, Laser Haemorrhoidectomy, Transanal Haemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) and Rubber band ligation are three more surgical procedures to cure piles.