Glossary
A
Abscess Drainage
A medical procedure used to treat an abscess by making an incision to release the built-up fluid. This helps relieve pain, reduce pressure, and promote healing.
Anal Abscess
A painful, localized collection of pus near the anus or rectum, often requiring incision and drainage.
Anal Fissure Surgery
Outpatient surgery with a 1-7 day recovery. Very effective surgery for an anal fissure when conservative therapy fails to give relief. Learn More.
B
Banding (Rubber Band Ligation)
A less-invasive alternative to traditional hemorrhoid surgery. Often referred to as rubber band ligation or hemorrhoid banding. Learn More.
C
Cancer (Anal, Colon, Rectal)
Cancers of the anal, colon, and rectal regions. Learn More.
Cologuard
Cologuard is a stool test that is used for screening for colon cancer. It examines cells shed from the colon that are in the stool. For any abnormal cells or blood found in the test it may indicate cancer or precancer tumors. Learn More.
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, a slender flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip is gently inserted through the rectum and guided through the entire length of the colon to search for any sign of tumors, polyps, inflammation, or bleeding. Learn More.
Colorectal Surgeon
Formal term for a proctologist. Learn More.
Condyloma (Anal Warts)
Warts are an overgrowth of tissue caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The virus lives in your cells and can either remain dormant or activate the cell to create warts. Learn More.
Conservative Therapy for Anal Fissure
Special compounding ointments and other conservative remedies used to heal the fissure. Learn More.
Constipation
Difficulty passing stool, often due to hard, infrequent bowel movements.
D
Digital Rectum Exam (DRE)
A clinical exam involving a gloved finger in the rectum to assess tone, masses, and lesions.
Diverticulitis
A complication of diverticulosis that occurs when one or more of the diverticula become inflamed or infected. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and may require antibiotics or surgery in severe cases. Learn More.
Diverticulosis
A condition where small pouches (called diverticula) form in the lining of the colon, usually in the lower part. It often causes no symptoms and is typically discovered during routine screenings or imaging. Learn More.
E
Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy
For the symptomatic or unsightly external hemorrhoids. In office procedure. 3 to 7 day recovery. Learn More.
Enema
Not only is an enema useless to cleanse the colon, there are risks to taking an enema including colon perforation. Learn More.
F
Fecal Disimpaction
Office based procedure to remove impacted (hard stool not able to pass through the anus) stool. Immediate relief once performed. If you haven’t had a bowel movement for days and feel a lot of rectal pressure or pain.
Fecal Incontinence
Loss of voluntary bowel control causing stool leakage.
Fecal Transplant
A procedure in which stool from a healthy donor is transplanted into a patient’s intestines to help restore a balanced and diverse gut microbiome. Learn More.
Fissure (Fissure-in-ano)
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. Learn More.
Fistula (Fistula-in-ano)
An anal fistula is an infected tunnel between the skin and anus. Learn More.
Fistula Surgery
Outpatient procedure for anal fistulas. 3 to 7 day recovery. Learn More.
G
Gastroenterologist
Doctor that focuses on conditions that affect the whole digestive system. This means they have the expertise to diagnose and treat conditions in the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, and more. Learn More.
H
Hematochezia
Maroon colored stool. Learn More.
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins that can occur internally and externally around the anus. Learn More.
I
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Common condition with a combination of symptoms including belly pain and problems with bowel movements that is a lifelong problem which can be hard to manage. Learn More.
N
Necrosis
When hemorrhoids become trapped outside the anus and the hemorrhoid tissue starts to die. Learn More.
P
Pelvic Floor
Muscle structure supporting anorectal and pelvic organs. It is often involved in disorders like fecal incontinence or prolapse.
Pilonidal Cyst Drainage & Surgery
Outpatient surgery to remove the pilonidal cyst. 3-7 day recovery to get back to work. Learn More.
Pilonidal Cysts
Abnormal skin growth located at the tailbone that contains hair and skin. Learn More.
Pilonidal Dimple
A natal cleft depression where debris/hair may accumulate, sometimes progressing to a pilonidal cyst or sinus if infected. This is distinct from superficial dimples that remain benign. Learn More.
Polyps
Growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Learn More.
Proctitis
Inflammation of the rectum. Learn More.
Proctologist
Surgeon who specializes in the diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Proctologists are also known as Colorectal Surgeons. Learn More.
Proctoscopy / Rectoscopy
Endoscopic procedures for direct visualization of the anal canal and rectum, which are key to accurate diagnosis.
Pruritus Ani
Anal itching. Learn More.
Pseudoscientific Remedy
Remedy that is mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method. Learn More.
R
Rectal Bleeding
Hemorrhage of the rectum or anus. Learn More.
Rectal Prolapse
Condition when the rectum slips out through the anal opening.
S
Sclerotherapy
Painless in office hemorrhoid therapy. Learn More.
Sentinel Pile
A small skin tag or thickened area of skin near the anal opening, often found at the outer edge of a chronic anal fissure.
Service Areas
See the areas that Thousand Oaks Proctology services. Learn More.
Sigmoidoscopy (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy)
A minimally invasive colon evaluation that examines the lower colon.
Skin Tag
Common skin growth that can happen to anyone all over the body, including anal skin tags. Learn More.
T
Thrombosis
When a painful anal lump occurs quickly, usually a clot of blood within the hemorrhoid. Will rupture and bleed. Learn More.
V
Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)
An imaging alternative to colonoscopy using CT scans. A virtual colonoscopy is not considered the standard of care and is typically not covered by insurance.