What is Anal Bleaching & Is it Safe? A Proctologist’s Honest Take

Darkening of the anal skin (butthole for layman) is a normal part of the body’s natural pigmentation, but many people wish it to be lighter. In recent years, personal grooming and intimate beauty treatments have gone mainstream, including anal bleaching. Like many beauty fads, there are different options to lighten the skin around the anus, […]
Diverticulosis vs Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Differences, and Treatment Options

Among the many conditions that can affect your gut, two terms frequently come up that can be confused: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. While they sound similar and are closely related, they describe two distinct processes associated with a common intestinal issue. These two conditions combined are called diverticular disease. What is Diverticulosis? Diverticulosis is when small […]
A Guide to Hemorrhoid Banding: When It’s Needed and How It Works

What are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are normal venous cushions found inside and outside the anus. We’re all born with them—typically three internal and three external. External hemorrhoids lie under skin rich in nerve endings, while internal ones are under mucosa with little sensation, making their symptoms and treatments very different. Though the exact function of hemorrhoids […]
What Food Should You Avoid Before Your Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common procedure that detects and prevents colon cancer, along with other gastrointestinal issues. To receive accurate results, all patients must follow a strict diet including specific foods to avoid before your colonoscopy. This diet includes a list of recommended and restricted foods and generally starts three days before the procedure. Proctologists […]
How Your Hemorrhoids Can Save Your Life

Hemorrhoid symptoms are very common among adults and even teenagers; Symptoms include: If you have hemorrhoid symptoms it is best to see a proctologist as the symptomatic hemorrhoids are usually amenable to painless office treatments. If you are bleeding from the rectum, it is advised you have a colonoscopy to make sure there are no […]
Clean Your Toilet, Not Your Colon!

Not only is an enema useless to cleanse the colon, there are risks to taking an enema including colon perforation. In my fellowship one of my large colon cases was reversing a colostomy bag on a patient whose rectum was perforated during the enema. This injury caused severe infection and a major operation including the […]
Too Young For Colorectal Cancer? Think Again!

This story wouldn’t be so sad if it were the only case. Unfortunately it has happened more than once. Twelve years ago, a 42 year old successful woman came to see me for bleeding. I treated her hemorrhoids and requested she come back in 6 weeks for a colon evaluation. She showed up 2 […]