Proctology

In the Proctology Department at Zuger Kantonsspital, we diagnose and treat conditions affecting the rectum, the anus, the anal canal and the pelvic floor: from haemorrhoids to anal fissures, abscesses and fistulas, right through to malignant tumours. We provide you with discreet and respectful care, from your initial consultation right through to your follow-up appointment.

+41 41 399 47 10 +41 41 399 47 11 chirurgie@zgks.ch

What is proctology?

Proctology is the medical specialism dealing with disorders of the rectum, the anal canal, the anus and the pelvic floor. These include haemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses, tumours and fistulas, as well as difficulties with bowel movements – such as those caused by rectal prolapse – and faecal incontinence. At Zug Kantonsspital, the Proctology Department forms part of the Surgical Clinic and works closely with the departments of Gastroenterology, Radiology and Oncology.

When a proctological assessment is advisable

Blood on toilet paper, persistent itching, pain during bowel movements or a sensation of pressure or a foreign body in the anal region should be investigated by a doctor. Most of these symptoms have harmless causes. However, this can only be confirmed with certainty following an examination. Even if symptoms recur after a previously treated condition, a specialist assessment is worthwhile.

Your treatment process at Zuger Kantonsspital

The process begins with a detailed consultation and a thorough clinical examination, supplemented where necessary by further investigations. On this basis, our surgeons, who are experienced in proctology, will discuss the next steps in your treatment with you. The decision as to whether conservative or surgical treatment is necessary is made on a case-by-case basis. The aim is to provide long-term relief from your symptoms and restore your quality of life. Many procedures can be carried out on an outpatient basis.

Why choose Zuger Kantonsspital?

Proctological conditions sometimes require expertise from more than one specialist area. At Zuger Kantonsspital, the various specialist departments work closely together. Our specialists assess patients using an interdisciplinary approach – in close consultation with the departments of surgery, gastroenterology, radiology and oncology. This collaboration is particularly valuable when dealing with more complex conditions, such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases or tumours.

Services

Proctology examination
- Anoscopy/rectoscopy
- High-resolution anoscopy for the detection of dysplasia
- Ultrasound examination of the rectum (anorectal endosonography)
- Sphincter pressure measurement (manometry)
Diagnosis and treatment of anal skin lesions
Haemorrhoid treatment
- Sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation
- Conventional haemorrhoidectomy
- Haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) / Recto-anal repair (RAR)
- Laser haemorrhoidoplasty
- Longo stapler haemorrhoidopexy
Anal fistula operations
- Internal closure using a flap / advancement flap
- LIFT technique
- Fistula excision with or without primary sphincter reconstruction
Pilonidal sinus operations
- Minimally invasive procedures such as pit picking/laser treatment
- Excision with or without plastic wound closure
Treatment of anal condylomas (genital warts/condylomata acuminata)
Ablation of anal dysplasia (e.g. using laser, electro or cryotherapy)
Transanal tumour resections
Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse
- Abdominal procedures using laparoscopic or robot-assisted techniques (rectopexy with or without resection, e.g. ventral mesh rectopexy according to D'Hoore)
- Perineal procedures (e.g. Altemeier procedure, Delorme procedure)
Diagnosis and treatment of faecal incontinence/sphincter weakness
- Biofeedback therapy (physiotherapy)
- Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)
- Assessment for sphincter repair or sacral neuromodulation (SNM)
- Nutritional advice
- Medication

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should I see a doctor about haemorrhoids?

If symptoms persist for longer than two to three weeks, recur or are accompanied by blood, a medical examination is recommended. Bleeding may have harmless causes, but it can also indicate conditions that require treatment. It should therefore never be left undiagnosed. During proctology consultations at Zuger Kantonsspital, we will investigate the cause and discuss the appropriate treatment.

Is a proctological examination painful?

The initial examination is not usually painful, but may be found uncomfortable. It consists of a consultation, a visual examination of the anal area and a digital rectal examination. This is often followed by an examination of the anal canal and rectum using a speculum and, depending on the issue, an ultrasound scan. We will explain each step to you and take our time with you.

Are proctological procedures carried out on an outpatient basis?

Many proctological procedures can be carried out on an outpatient basis. This means you can go home on the same day. Whether this applies in your case depends on the findings, the procedure chosen and your overall state of health. We will discuss this with you in detail before the procedure.