Does proctitis require surgery?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Proctitis is a common clinical disease that can be asymptomatic or can present with recurrent discomfort symptoms such as abnormal stool, displaying characteristics like loose stool texture, increased frequency of defecation, or digestive bleeding accompanied by fresh red blood along with abnormal stool. If there are no specific abdominal symptoms and the stool condition is manageable, generally, surgical treatment is not necessary. Instead, dietary adjustments and rest can be made, including appropriate medication when necessary. Medication options may include suppositories, such as mesalazine suppositories, and oral probiotics for adjustment. Therefore, if there are truly no space-occupying lesions and no issues found in colonoscopy, surgical treatment may not be required for proctitis. It is advised to manage with medication and further adjust with oral probiotics, so there is no need for worry. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Treatment of proctitis

Proctitis is relatively common in clinical settings, especially in the department of gastroenterology. It generally presents as abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. Abdominal discomfort typically manifests as discomfort in the lower left abdomen, and abnormal bowel movements may include increased frequency and looser stool texture. The treatment of proctitis generally falls into two categories: general treatment and medication. General treatment includes maintaining smooth bowel movements, eating smaller meals more frequently, and ensuring that the stool remains soft. For medication, options include oral medications and topical treatments. Oral medications can soften stools, protect the intestinal mucosa, and control inflammation, among other effects. Topical medications may be chosen to protect the intestinal mucosa and prevent itching, and generally, they are quite effective, so patients need not worry too much.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of colitis?

Proctitis is an inflammation that occurs in the mucosa of the rectum. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, a feeling of heaviness around the anus, and urgency followed by a sensation of incomplete evacuation. More severe inflammation can also lead to the presence of mucus and bloody pus in the stool. Bleeding from the rectum is another typical symptom, with the amount of bleeding related to the severity of the inflammation. Severe inflammation can directly cause pain in the anus and rectum. Abdominal pain and diarrhea may alternate, and long-term proctitis can also lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, nausea, and vomiting. It is necessary to promptly perform a colonoscopy to understand the severity of the lesions and actively provide symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Do people with proctitis fart a lot?

Proctitis generally does not lead to increased flatulence. Patients with proctitis may experience the passage of mucus-like stools and may have symptoms such as pain around the anus. Patients with proctitis rarely experience increased flatulence and generally do not have mucus, pus, or bloody stools, nor do they cause other symptoms like stomach cold or fever. However, they may experience urgency and tenesmus. Once a patient is diagnosed with proctitis through medical examination, treatment involves the use of mesalamine or sulfasalazine suppositories. In terms of diet, it is advised to consume bland food and avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can proctitis cause frequent urination and urgency?

Proctitis generally does not cause frequent urination or urinary urgency. Proctitis mainly causes symptoms such as the passing of mucous stools, purulent bloody stools, and a sense of incomplete evacuation after defecation. If a patient experiences frequent urination and urinary urgency, they should visit the urology department of a regular hospital. It's possible that there could be urinary tract stones or an infection, requiring a routine urine analysis and ultrasonic examination of the urinary system. In addition, for proctitis, it is necessary to take oral medication to adjust the intestinal flora. Attention should also be paid to the diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and opting for bland, easily digestible foods.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Symptoms of proctitis

So, what are the common clinical symptoms of proctitis? Since the rectum is close to the anus, the symptoms are primarily manifested as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Some patients experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. Generally, there is often mucus or blood in the stool, and there is usually a burning sensation in the anus during bowel movements. Additionally, due to the irritation from rectal secretions, eczema and itching around the anus can occur. Diagnosing proctitis is relatively easier compared to diagnosing pancolitis. Diagnosis is usually made through sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and sometimes biopsies are needed for confirmation.