Doctors who treat hemorrhoids include:
- Gastroenterologists: These are specialists in the digestive system who can diagnose hemorrhoids, provide medications, recommend lifestyle changes, and perform minimally invasive procedures such as hemorrhoid banding and sclerotherapy. They are often the first specialists to see for hemorrhoids, especially internal ones
- Colorectal Surgeons (Proctologists): These surgeons specialize in diseases and surgery of the anus, rectum, and colon. They can provide both diagnosis and surgical treatment for hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal of hemorrhoids) and stapled hemorrhoidopexy. They are typically involved when hemorrhoids are severe, prolapsing, or not responding to conservative treatments
- General Surgeons: They can also perform surgical procedures for hemorrhoids if needed, especially if a colorectal surgeon is not available
- Primary Care Physicians: They can manage mild hemorrhoids with conservative treatments and lifestyle advice and refer patients to specialists if necessary
In summary, for mild hemorrhoids, you may start with a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist. For more severe or surgical cases, a colorectal surgeon (proctologist) or general surgeon is the appropriate specialist
