Proctologist vs Gastroenterologist: What’s the Difference?

Unless you work in medicine, you may be thinking to yourself: what’s the difference between a proctologist and a gastroenterologist? While they are related, they each focus on different parts of the body, and thus different pathologies and issues. This guide will help you determine if you should see us here at Bespoke Surgical, or if you should seek care at a different specialist.

What Is a Proctologist?

A proctologist, also known as a colorectal surgeon is a surgical specialist with a focus on diagnosing and treating pathologies within the colon, rectum, and anus.

What Conditions Does a Proctologist Treat?

Proctologists handle issues like:

• Anal hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Fistulas-in-ano
• Anal cancer screenings and treatment
• Rectal prolapse
• Diverticular disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Fecal incontinence

What Is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist for disorders of the stomach and intestines, as well as the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. They are experts in the gastrointestinal tract, or GI tract, and therefore are trained to perform colonoscopies. They can extract polyps and diagnose colon cancer during these types of screenings. Unlike proctologists or colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists do not perform surgery.

What Conditions Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?

Gastroenterologist treat conditions like:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac disease
• Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones and biliary tract disorders
• Peptic ulcers

What Is the Difference Between a Proctologist and a Gastroenterologist?

How can you easily compare the differences between a proctologist and a gastroenterologist? While both a proctologist and a gastroenterologist are experts in the digestive system, their areas of primary focus and treatment approaches distinctly set them apart. Here are the core differences to help you understand which specialist you might need:

Proctologists (Colorectal Surgeons):

• Are surgical specialists and have learned to treat all areas of the GI tract
• Perform colorectal surgeries such as hemorrhoidectomy, fistula repair, colon resections, and anal cancer surgery. They also conduct colonoscopies.
• Are board certified by the American Board of Surgery
• Require 6 years of training after medical school

Gastroenterologists:

• Trained for stomach, pancreas, and liver diseases
• Works with inflammatory bowel disease
• Perform upper endoscopies, colonoscopies, and other diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopic procedures throughout the GI tract. They do not perform open or laparoscopic surgeries.
• Usually board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Require 2-3 years of training after medical school

Proctologist vs Gastroenterologist: Which Specialist Do You Need?

It may not always be clear who you should see a proctologist or gastroenterologist. There are three simple things to consider:

1. Is my issue taking place higher up in my GI tract in my stomach, pancreas, or liver, or is it further down in my colon, rectum, and anus?
2. Does my issue need surgery? Gastroenterologists treat disorders but do not perform surgery.
3. Does my issue require invasive treatment? Both are able to perform treatments like an endoscopy or laparoscopy.

Still not sure which specialist you need? For concerns related to your lower GI tract or buttocks, we’re happy to discuss your symptoms and potential treatments at our anal surgery practice in NYC.

Schedule Your Proctologist Consultation

At Bespoke Surgical, Dr. Evan Goldstein is an anal surgeon, who identifies and surgically treats issues of the rectum and anus. Our services range from anal restoration to hemorrhoids and beyond. We focus on your health and wellness while hand-tailoring treatment for you. Additionally, our practice also has a physical therapist for pelvic floor dysfunction and more.

Bespoke Surgical is an elite anal surgery practice based in NYC. If you would like a consultation to decide whether you need a colorectal doctor vs gastroenterologist appointment, contact us today.

FAQs about proctologists

When should you see a proctologist?

You should see a proctologist for any issues affecting your colon, rectum, or anus, such as chronic anal pain, bleeding, hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, or concerns about colorectal cancer.

Can a proctologist perform a colonoscopy?

Yes, proctologists are trained to perform colonoscopies, especially when focusing on the lower digestive tract or for surgical planning. Gastroenterologists also commonly perform colonoscopies.

Should I see a proctologist or gastroenterologist for hemorrhoids?

You should typically see a proctologist for hemorrhoids, as they are surgical specialists who can provide both non-surgical and surgical treatments for anal and rectal conditions. While a gastroenterologist can diagnose hemorrhoids, they do not perform surgical removal.