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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Is it good to have an IV drip for colitis and gastritis?

Proctitis is an inflammation that occurs in the rectal mucosa, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea, urgency followed by incomplete bowel movements, and rectal bleeding. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach mucosa, characterized by decreased appetite, acid reflux, and belching. If these conditions are severe, infusion therapy is recommended. This includes the use of antibiotics, medications to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, and hydration supplements. If symptoms are mild, oral medications may suffice. However, daily care is equally important, such as having a light diet, eating regularly, consuming more vegetables, and avoiding spicy, irritating, and greasy foods. It is also crucial to rest adequately and avoid excessive fatigue. If symptoms recur frequently, it is best to visit the gastroenterology department or a gastrointestinal clinic at a hospital. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of rectal polyps?

Rectal polyps due to proctitis are generally benign lesions, so the symptoms are not obvious. Some patients may have no specific symptoms and polyps are incidentally found during routine physical examinations or colonoscopies where proctitis is seen in conjunction with polyps. Of course, a small number of patients may experience abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. The abdominal discomfort generally focuses on the lower abdomen, or occurs sporadically in the lower left abdomen, and can manifest as bloating pain, dull pain, or an unexplained discomfort. The abnormality in bowel movements can be seen as stools being more liquid-like and frequent, with some patients having watery stools, but there are no symptoms of fever or bloody stools. Therefore, the symptoms of rectal polyps from proctitis are usually not obvious and can be further clarified through colonoscopic examination. If the rectal polyps are not large, periodic observation with colonoscopy every six months to a year may be advised. Of course, if the polyps grow larger or symptoms become pronounced, treatment through endoscopic removal may be chosen.

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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 Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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What will happen if rectitis gets worse?

If proctitis worsens, it should be treated promptly through surgery. Surgical removal can help prevent spread and prolong life. After surgery, it is also necessary to kill cancer cells through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If proctitis is not properly managed, frequent recurrences can lead to erosion and even ulcers, which can easily become cancerous. Therefore, regular follow-up colonoscopies are essential to monitor changes in the condition and assess whether there is a high or low chance of deterioration. After surgery, attention should also be paid to a bland diet, avoiding irritant foods.