Proctologist near Phoenix, AZ – Dr. Fernando Alemán Rojas

Proctologist near Phoenix, AZ

Looking for a proctologist near Phoenix, AZ? With over 8 years of experience in General Surgery and 6 years in Coloproctology, and more than 9,000 patients treated, Dr. Fernando Alemán Rojas is a surgical specialist in Coloproctology and minimally invasive procedures. Utilizing advanced technologies like LigaSure, he ensures precision and promotes faster recovery. Dr. Alemán is certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery and the Mexican Council of Coloproctology Specialists.

Schedule your appointment with our certified colon & rectal surgeon near Phoenix, AZ!

Proctology specialist near Phoenix, AZ

Coloproctology is the branch of medicine that studies all diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. It is one of the most important specialties in medicine and surgery, with pathologies in this region accounting for 50% of a surgery team’s tasks. It is a specialty that addresses a wide range of pathologies, from colon and rectal cancer to anal diseases (hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, or incontinence).

The pathologies treated by a coloproctologist can be divided into those affecting the colon and rectum or those affecting the anus. Within the colon and rectum, the most important pathology is colorectal cancer. It is the most common cancer in the population when combining men and women, and it occupies most of the time of coloproctology surgeons.

When a patient is diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer, it is important that they are operated on by a specialist in Coloproctology. This will impact the results, with fewer complications and a better prognosis for the patient. Until recently, colon cancer was operated on through laparotomy or open surgery. Recently, laparoscopy has been used, which is much less invasive, involves fewer complications for the patient, a shorter hospital stay, and a better recovery. Moreover, according to some studies, the prognosis is more favorable in patients operated on laparoscopically.

Every coloproctologist, to perform their specialty successfully and safely for the patient, must stay at the forefront of both research and the use of medical and surgical advancements. This way, surgeries become less invasive and the cure rate of these diseases is much higher, allowing for a quicker return to the patient’s usual activities.

Additionally, there are other pathologies affecting the colon and rectum:

• Ulcerative colitis.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Colorectal polyps.
• Colorectal endometriosis.
• Colon diverticula.
• Colon angioplasty.
• Rectocele.

Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy is performed by an experienced coloproctologist and lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. You will be given medications through a vein to make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You will be asked to lie on your left side on the examination table. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube about 1/2 inch in diameter that transmits an image of the colon lining so the doctor can examine it for abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the large intestine.

The endoscope bends so the doctor can move it through the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change positions occasionally to help the doctor move the endoscope. The endoscope also injects air into the colon, which expands the colon and helps the doctor see more clearly.

You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. You can reduce the cramps by taking several slow, deep breaths during the procedure. When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of the intestine is carefully examined.

During the colonoscopy, if the doctor sees something that may be abnormal, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (a biopsy), and abnormal growths or polyps can be identified and removed. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for major surgery.

Diseases and Conditions Reviewed by a Coloproctologist

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus causing discomfort and bleeding.
• Hemorrhoid banding: Placement of a plastic rubber band (with or without latex) at the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to atrophy and be completely removed.
• Anal fissure: Small tear in the lining of the anus.
• Anal abscess: Accumulation of pus in the tissue surrounding the anus and rectum.
• Anal fistula: Infected tunnel between the skin and the anus.
• Pilonidal cyst: Abnormal skin growth with hair and skin located at the tailbone.
• Lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Originates in the gastrointestinal tract distal to the Treitz angle.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch projecting from the colon in the lower right abdomen.
• Colon diseases: Colorectal cancer, colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, ulcers in the colon and rectum.
• Colon cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectum located at the lower end of the digestive tract.
• Rectal cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectum located at the lower end of the digestive tract.
• Anal cancer: Anal cancer can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding and anal pain.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Intestinal disorder causing belly pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Constipation: When a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week or has difficulty doing so.
• Diarrhea: Loose and watery stools occurring more frequently than usual.
• Ulcerative colitis: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Rectal prolapse: Occurs when the rectal wall protrudes through the anus.
• Fecal incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements, causing stool to leak unexpectedly.
• Anal warts: Benign lesions caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Sexually transmitted diseases: For example, AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Diverticular disease of the colon: When one or more pouches become inflamed and, in some cases, infected; this condition is known as diverticulitis.

When should you consider visiting a proctologist?

While these doctors treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal tract diseases, most patients do not always know when a visit to a proctologist is justified. However, there are many reasons for patients of any age to seek treatment from a proctologist.

Many of the disorders treated by a proctologist are identified during regular check-ups with a primary care physician. Primary care physicians constantly evaluate your clinical and laboratory data to detect any potential problems.

Some of the most common disorders for which a primary care physician may refer you to a proctologist are:

• Anal leakage or discharge.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Lump found around the anus.
• Change in bowel habits.
• Change in bowel characteristics such as color or consistency.
• Red and inflamed area on the buttocks, such as an abscess.
• Advanced age

Schedule an appointment with the best Proctology specialist near Phoenix, AZ