Doctor specialist in hemorrhoids. Choosing the Right Specialist for Hemorrhoid Treatment: Gastroenterologist or Proctologist
Should you see a gastroenterologist or proctologist for hemorrhoids. What factors should you consider when choosing a hemorrhoid specialist. How can you find the best surgeon for hemorrhoid treatment. What are the benefits of seeing a specialist for hemorrhoids.
Understanding Hemorrhoids and When to Seek Specialist Care
Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While mild cases can often be managed with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes, more severe or persistent hemorrhoids may require the expertise of a specialist. But who exactly should you see for hemorrhoid treatment – a gastroenterologist or a proctologist?
To answer this question, it’s important to first understand what hemorrhoids are and when specialist care is necessary. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They can cause symptoms like itching, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements.
When to See a Specialist for Hemorrhoids
- Persistent symptoms despite home remedies
- Severe pain or bleeding
- Recurrent hemorrhoids
- Large or prolapsed hemorrhoids
- Uncertainty about the diagnosis
If your hemorrhoids don’t respond to conservative treatments recommended by your primary care physician, it’s time to consult a specialist who can offer more advanced diagnostic and treatment options.
Gastroenterologist vs. Proctologist: Understanding the Difference
When seeking specialized care for hemorrhoids, you may encounter two types of doctors: gastroenterologists and proctologists (also known as colorectal surgeons). While both can treat hemorrhoids, there are some key differences in their focus and expertise.
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. They can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids, but their practice covers a broader range of gastrointestinal conditions.
Proctologist (Colorectal Surgeon)
A proctologist, or colorectal surgeon, is a specialist who focuses specifically on disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. They have extensive training in both the medical and surgical management of conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and colorectal cancer.
For most cases of hemorrhoids, especially those requiring surgical intervention, a proctologist may be the more appropriate choice due to their specialized focus and surgical expertise.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hemorrhoid Specialist
Selecting the right specialist for your hemorrhoid treatment is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. Here are some important factors to consider:
Specialization and Experience
Does the doctor focus on treating hemorrhoids specifically? How many hemorrhoid procedures do they perform annually? A specialist who deals with hemorrhoids regularly will likely have more up-to-date knowledge and refined techniques.
Treatment Options Offered
Are they familiar with the latest minimally invasive treatments? Do they offer a range of options beyond traditional surgery? Look for a specialist who can provide various treatment modalities tailored to your specific needs.
Board Certification
Is the doctor board-certified in their specialty? Board certification indicates that the physician has met rigorous standards in their field of expertise.
Patient Reviews and Recommendations
What do other patients say about their experiences? Personal recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician can be valuable in finding a reputable specialist.
Advanced Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids
Modern hemorrhoid treatment has evolved significantly, offering patients more options beyond traditional surgery. A skilled specialist should be familiar with and able to perform these advanced procedures when appropriate.
Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH)
PPH is a minimally invasive surgical technique that reduces hemorrhoid tissue and restores it to its normal position. This procedure often results in less postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to traditional hemorrhoidectomy.
Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD)
THD is another minimally invasive option that uses Doppler guidance to locate and tie off the blood vessels feeding the hemorrhoids, reducing their size and symptoms.
Rubber Band Ligation
For less severe cases, rubber band ligation can be an effective in-office procedure. It involves placing small rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
A specialist with experience in these advanced techniques can help determine which option is best suited for your specific case.
The Importance of Comfort and Communication with Your Hemorrhoid Specialist
While technical expertise is crucial, the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship cannot be overstated, especially when dealing with a sensitive condition like hemorrhoids.
Open and Comfortable Communication
Can you discuss your symptoms openly without feeling embarrassed? A good specialist should make you feel at ease when describing your condition and asking questions.
Clear Explanation of Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Does the doctor take the time to explain your condition and treatment options in terms you can understand? They should be willing to address all your concerns and help you make informed decisions about your care.
Accessibility and Follow-up Care
How easy is it to reach the doctor or their staff with questions or concerns? Good follow-up care is essential for monitoring your progress and addressing any complications that may arise.
Preparing for Your Appointment with a Hemorrhoid Specialist
To make the most of your consultation with a hemorrhoid specialist, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some steps you can take:
- Write down your symptoms, including when they started and any factors that seem to worsen or improve them.
- List all medications, supplements, and dietary habits that might be relevant.
- Prepare questions about your condition, potential treatments, and expected outcomes.
- Bring any relevant medical records or test results.
- Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support and to help remember important information.
Being well-prepared can help ensure that you get the most out of your appointment and take the first step towards effective hemorrhoid treatment.
The Role of Ongoing Care and Prevention in Hemorrhoid Management
While seeking specialist care is important for addressing acute hemorrhoid issues, long-term management and prevention are equally crucial. A good hemorrhoid specialist should not only treat your current symptoms but also provide guidance on preventing future occurrences.
Lifestyle Modifications
Your specialist should discuss lifestyle changes that can help prevent hemorrhoids, such as:
- Increasing fiber intake
- Staying hydrated
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements
Regular Screenings
Depending on your age and risk factors, your specialist may recommend regular colorectal cancer screenings. These screenings can detect not only early signs of cancer but also other colorectal issues that may contribute to hemorrhoid formation.
Follow-up Care
After treatment, follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress and adjust your care plan if needed. A good specialist will emphasize the importance of these check-ups and make them a part of your overall treatment strategy.
By focusing on both treatment and prevention, a skilled hemorrhoid specialist can help you achieve long-term relief and improved colorectal health.
Making an Informed Decision: Gastroenterologist, Proctologist, or Primary Care?
Deciding whether to see a gastroenterologist, proctologist, or stick with your primary care physician for hemorrhoid treatment depends on several factors. Here’s a quick guide to help you make an informed decision:
When to Stay with Your Primary Care Physician
If your hemorrhoids are mild and respond well to over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes, your primary care doctor may be able to provide adequate care. They can offer basic treatments and advice on prevention.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
Consider seeing a gastroenterologist if:
- You have other digestive issues along with hemorrhoids
- You need a colonoscopy or other digestive system screenings
- Your hemorrhoids are part of a broader gastrointestinal problem
When to Consult a Proctologist (Colorectal Surgeon)
A proctologist may be the best choice if:
- Your hemorrhoids are severe or recurrent
- You’ve tried conservative treatments without success
- You’re considering surgical options
- You have other anorectal conditions that need attention
Remember, the goal is to find a specialist who can provide comprehensive care for your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals or second opinions if you’re unsure about the best course of action.
Choosing the Best Surgeon for Hemorrhoid Treatment
Medically reviewed by: Gary H. Hoffman, MD
Choosing the right physician for your hemorrhoid treatment is an important decision. Not only do you need someone skilled and well-trained, but you need someone who can make you feel comfortable during exams and procedures. Most importantly, you need a doctor who can diagnose and treat your condition, taking into consideration your unique needs.
Some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a proctologist or surgeon for your hemorrhoid treatment include:
Choose a Hemorrhoid Specialist
If your hemorrhoids respond to a change in diet and over-the-counter treatments, your primary care physician will probably have enough experience in treating the annoying condition to ensure you have the information you need to heal quickly. If the hemorrhoids don’t respond to this type of conservative treatment though, you will want to consider talking to a specialist about your options.
A proctologist, sometimes known as a colon and rectal specialist, deals with hemorrhoids every day. Thanks to their training and experience, they can diagnose your condition, grade, and treat your hemorrhoids more effectively. They can also often offer more effective treatments to stop rectal bleeding and shrink inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues, often based on the latest research. These treatments are usually less invasive and are not as painful as conventional treatments.
If your condition requires surgery, you will definitely want to consult with a colon and rectal surgeon. General surgeons may only do a few hemorrhoidectomies a year, while a specialist may do many each week. The learning curve, especially when it comes to cutting-edge techniques, is steep. A general surgeon may not get enough practice to be competent at performing these specialized procedures, in some cases.
Experience Is Key
If you hope to pursue a less invasive option than a traditional open hemorrhoidectomy, choosing a specialist with experience performing these cutting-edge procedures is key. While PPH is a minimally invasive procedure for hemorrhoids, it requires a high level of skill and experience to perform properly and minimize the risk of complications.
For example, our surgeons perform Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids, or PPH, on a regular basis. Dr. Gary Hoffman not only conducted research that proves the advantages of this procedure over a more traditional hemorrhoidectomy, he also continues to work on further streamlining the procedure and advancing the instrumentation used.
Even if you do not end up undergoing PPH, you want a doctor who has the experience to understand the best options based on your unique symptoms. When a doctor does not see a condition regularly, they have a much higher risk of misdiagnosis, prescribing the wrong treatment, or missing warning signs of complications.
A colorectal surgeon will have extensive experience with hemorrhoids, as is required for them to obtain board certification. This means you get a higher level of care for your condition, from routine screenings to diagnosis to in-office treatments to surgery, when necessary.
Find a Good Doctor
Not only do you want to find an experienced doctor, you want to find a good doctor. In many cases, the personality of a colon and rectal surgeon and how comfortable they make discussing these topics is as important as their training.
While colon and rectal surgeons have advanced training in diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids and other colorectal issues, they also need to have a bedside manner that helps you relax and feel at ease explaining your symptoms. They need to make it as easy as possible on you to undergo routine screenings, as well as non-surgical and surgical treatments.
We recommend starting by asking your friends and family for a recommendation. You doctor may also have good advice about specialists. Lastly, keep researching online. Read reviews and learn more about individual physicians and practices through their websites.
Talk to Us to Learn More
At Los Angeles Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates, our surgeons pioneered the use of less invasive hemorrhoid treatments that significantly reduce postoperative pain. We focus on using the latest advances to effectively treat hemorrhoids and other perirectal and perianal conditions. We also offer preventative and diagnostic support, in additional to routine screenings. Call (310)273-2310 today to schedule your confidential consultation.
What If Treating Hemorrhoids at Home Doesn’t Work?
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Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. Of course, everyone has veins in this area, but when they become enlarged they can bleed, itch and cause pain.
Hemorrhoids can be located internally, externally or sometimes both. While rarely a serious condition, hemorrhoids certainly cause a lot of discomfort and concern. I previously discussed treatments you can do at home to get relief. These treatments included hydration, fiber, sitz baths, soothing wipes, ointments, creams, suppositories and more. But what do you do when this does not solve the problem?
When Should You Go to the Doctor for Hemorrhoids?
Again, before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control), you should definitely see the doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.
What Kind of Doctor Treats Hemorrhoids?
In most cases, you can see a primary care physician about your hemorrhoid symptoms. But if there are complications, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a proctologist (surgeon).
How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids?
Doctors can treat hemorrhoids by prescribing medications or by performing minor surgery to major surgery. Here are several treatment options:
Prescription Ointments, Creams and Suppositories
These usually contain an emollient (medication to soften and soothe the skin). In addition, there may be an anesthetic (for example, pramoxine) and/or steroid (hydrocortisone). Prescription strength medications often work better than their over-the-counter cousins. But sometimes not so much.
An oral tablet called Vasculera comes with some prescription treatment kits (Analpram advanced kit) and also helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids.
Rubber Band Ligation
In this common treatment, the doctor applies miniature rubber bands to the internal hemorrhoids. This causes them to shrink up, stop bleeding and pull back inside. There are several different techniques for performing the procedure.
In one form, (CRH O’Regan) single bands are applied once a week for several weeks. This is done as an outpatient in the doctor’s office. Multiple bands can also be placed right after a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure while you are still sedated. This would be done in an outpatient surgery center or hospital procedure room. Bands can also be placed without another procedure.
Depending on the doctor and your individual situation, it could be with or without sedation. While rubber band ligation works for most patients, it doesn’t work all the time. Also, there are some potential complications – bleeding, pain and infection. Recovery can range from a day or 2 to 6 weeks.
Infrared Coagulation
In this procedure, hot light is applied to the base of the hemorrhoid to seal it off. This is usually done in a surgery center but can be done in the office.
The advantages include:
- High success rate in small or medium hemorrhoids
- Very rapid recovery
- Very low risk of any complications
Usually, your recovery is complete as soon as the procedure is finished. There may be a second treatment required if the first treatment does not work.
Laser Treatment
Actually, laser treatment is not done any more. It was similar in principle to infrared coagulation, but the equipment is much more complicated and expensive.
Bipolar Therapy
This uses electrical energy to cauterize the hemorrhoids. While it is effective, it can be a painful treatment.
Radiofrequency Hemorrhoid Ligation
This method uses a probe to grasp the hemorrhoid and then cauterize it using high frequency electricity (HETTM) . Experience with this technique is limited.
Doppler Ligation
In the operating room, a surgeon uses a special ultrasound probe in the rectum to find the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. Then a suture is placed around each artery to cut off the blood flow.
This is performed in the operating room and requires special equipment not commonly available. Recovery is quick and painless for most people.
Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy
This involves cutting out the hemorrhoids with a scalpel or cutting through the wall of the rectum and stapling the area shut again. This is true surgery and has a recovery period of several weeks. It can be very painful post-operatively and infection is often a problem.
However, this treatment works for the worst hemorrhoids, works when the other treatments fail, and has the longest period before the hemorrhoids come back.
Is It Common for Hemorrhoids to Reoccur?
Yes! Sometimes it takes a year or two, sometimes longer, but they can come back again after any treatment. They can even come back after surgery, but usually not for a long time.
How Do You Decide Which Hemorrhoid Therapy Is Best for You?
Everybody’s situation is different. Discuss the options with your gastroenterologist or surgeon. If they only offer one kind of treatment, they may not be selecting the best one for your hemorrhoids.
In the meantime, if you have more questions or feel your condition is urgent, contact your Temple physician or healthcare provider.
To schedule an appointment, please call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.
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where to go when diagnosing a disease?
04/16/2023
12-16 minutes
3552
Contents
- Principles of development of hemorrhoids
- Symptoms of disease
- Which doctor should I contact
- Why it is important to see a doctor
Show all
Hemorrhoids is the most common proctological disease: today almost 12% of the total adult population suffers from it, which is a lot, it occurs equally often in men and women. 1 Nevertheless, even if the disease brings serious discomfort in everyday life, not everyone goes to the doctor: someone is embarrassed, and someone is afraid that the examination or treatment may be painful.
In the article we will tell you why it is important to consult a specialist with this disease, which doctor treats hemorrhoids and what the main symptoms look like.
Principles of development of hemorrhoids
But what causes hemorrhoids to develop and how does it happen? This disease is a hypertrophy of the cavernous veins of the rectal plexus of the rectum. In simple words, this is varicose veins of the rectum and anus, accompanied by inflammation, bleeding and soreness. The main predisposing factors are a sedentary lifestyle, heavy physical labor, frequent and prolonged constipation, pregnancy, certain eating habits, and much more. The leading role in the development of hemorrhoids is played by:
hemodynamic factor . It is based on the excess of arterial blood inflow over venous outflow through the cavernous veins. Because of this, nodes are formed;
- muscular dystrophic factor . In this case, the dystrophy of the muscles and ligaments located in the anal canal plays a role. They hold internal hemorrhoids above the anorectal line. If their work is disturbed, hemorrhoids increase in size, shift, and eventually fall out of the anal canal.
Hemorrhoids can be external and internal, depending on which veins are affected: located inside the anal canal or outside, under the skin around the anus. 1, 2
The disease develops gradually, has several stages and degrees of severity: if at first it causes a minimum of discomfort, then in the future, if there is no treatment, the symptoms may intensify.
Symptoms of the disease
Let’s analyze what symptoms should be a mandatory reason to see a doctor. So, for hemorrhoids, depending on the form and degree, I can be characterized by:
- bleeding from the rectum during bowel movements . The amount of blood can be different: someone notices very few drops on toilet paper, and for someone, every trip to the toilet causes profuse bleeding. Treatment is required in both cases – you should not take the problem lightly if there is little blood;
- prolapse of hemorrhoids . In the early stages, they enter the anal canal on their own, then this can only be done manually, and in the later stages this becomes impossible;
- pain, itching or any discomfort in the anus . They can be caused both by prolapse of internal nodes, and by inflammation of external ones, thrombosis. 1, 2
You should not ignore these signs – if at least one of them appears, you need to consult a doctor.
Which doctor should I contact
Hemorrhoids are a pathology of the rectum. Proctologists or coloproctologists are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. Today, these two terms denote the same specialty: officially it is called “coloproctology”. Such specialists treat diseases of the large intestine, including the rectum, pelvic muscles and sacrum.
As part of the first visit, the doctor conducts an examination, so you will need to prepare for visiting the clinic – exactly how, you will be told in detail during the appointment.
Diagnosis proceeds as follows:
- the patient tells the doctor about when the first symptoms of the disease appeared, how it proceeded, what worries now;
- then an examination is carried out, a digital examination of the anal canal, and also in most cases anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy – examination of the rectum using a special device;
- in the future, a colonoscopy, laboratory tests may be prescribed.
All this will make it possible to make a diagnosis, determine the stage of hemorrhoids, its severity and prescribe the right treatment. At the first stages, it is usually conservative, it allows you to stop the symptoms of acute hemorrhoids, reduce the likelihood of complications and exacerbations. Mandatory correction of the diet and diet. In the early stages, this is enough to completely get rid of the symptoms. But if a person went to the doctor too late, it is not always possible to avoid surgical intervention. For treatment, minimally invasive methods or hemorrhoidectomy can be used – a full-fledged operation involving surgical excision of hemorrhoids. 3
As part of the conservative treatment of hemorrhoids, drugs in the form of rectal suppositories are actively used. It is to such means that Natalsid ® belongs.
This is a medicine whose main active ingredient is sodium alginate, which is obtained from brown seaweed. The herbal preparation can be used in the treatment of chronic bleeding hemorrhoids, chronic anal fissures in the epithelization stage and other proctological pathologies.
One of the main features: Natalside ® is approved for use during pregnancy and lactation. 4
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Why it is important to see a doctor
Many are embarrassed to go to the doctor with such a delicate problem, and in vain. There are several good reasons to see a specialist if you have symptoms that are characteristic of hemorrhoids.
The sooner the diagnosis is made, the easier the treatment process will be . If in the early stages it is possible to confine oneself to conservative therapy and changing the diet, then, in the later stages, it will no longer be possible to do without surgical intervention. Hemorrhoidectomy requires a fairly long recovery, the postoperative period is associated with unpleasant sensations, so it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid this.
- These symptoms may also be characteristic of other diseases . Hemorrhoids are not the only pathology that can cause bleeding during bowel movements or pain in the anus. And only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Do not try to take medication for hemorrhoids on your own or use folk remedies that have helped someone you know. It is possible that you have a completely different disease with similar symptoms.
- Hemorrhoids are fraught with complications . This is not a relatively harmless disease that can only cause discomfort. Many dangerous complications are possible: from the transition of the inflammatory process to the surrounding tissues to gangrene. 3
- Hemorrhoids greatly reduce the quality of life . Constant soreness, bleeding, prolapsed nodes that cause discomfort – all this affects daily life. Performance decreases, nervousness, irritability appear. Is embarrassment worth such sacrifices? It is better to consult a doctor, undergo treatment and return to normal life.
Knowing which doctor is needed when symptoms of hemorrhoids appear, it is important to understand why it is so important to contact him in time. If you or your loved ones have signs of this disease, make an appointment with a proctologist.
References
- Mayat K. E. Modern methods of treating hemorrhoids // Attending physician, 2008.
URL: https://www.lvrach.ru/ - Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Russia: Hemorrhoids, 2020.
URL: https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/ - Vorobyov G. I., Grateful L. A. Conservative therapy of hemorrhoids // BC, 2001.
URL: https://www.rmj.ru/ - Instructions for use of the drug Natalsid ® .
Other items
Natalside ® for anal fissure Learn more
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What does a proctologist treat and how to prepare for an examination
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Diseases for which you need to see a specialist
3. Training is required to conduct these surveys
A coloproctologist is a highly specialized medical specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases of the rectum, colon and anal canal. In everyday life, more often from people who are not related to medicine, you can hear “proctologist”, “proctologist”. All these names are similar and mean the same medical specialty of a doctor.
Let us consider in more detail the diseases that a coloproctologist deals with in his practice:
- hemorrhoids,
- anal fissures (acute and chronic),
- rectal and anal polyps,
- various neoplasms of the rectum and anal canal (benign and malignant),
- chronic colitis,
- ulcerative colitis,
- Crohn’s disease,
- diverticula,
- paraproctitis,
- rectal fistulas,
- rectal prolapse,
- foreign bodies of the rectum,
- trauma of the rectum.
As we can see, the list of diseases that a coloproctologist has to deal with in his practice is quite extensive, and not just “hemorrhoids”, and therefore, when symptoms of an intestinal disease appear, for accurate diagnosis and diagnosis, it is important to immediately contact a specialist, and not self-medicate .
Diseases requiring medical attention
Itching, burning, discomfort and discomfort in the anus, pain in the rectum or anal canal, a feeling of volumetric education or false urge to defecate, bleeding, mucus or pus from the rectum. It is very important to turn to a highly specialized coloproctologist, because sometimes only this specialist can conduct a high-quality examination and make the correct diagnosis. Sometimes? turning to the polyclinic to the surgeon, patients receive a diagnosis of “Hemorrhoids” even without examination and as a prescription for any rectal suppositories. This is because the surgeon does not always have equipment for diagnosing the rectum.
At the appointment with a coloproctologist, the patient is always examined for a diagnosis. A coloproctologist examines the anal canal with a special device – an anascope, and the rectum – with a rectoscope (video rectoscope).
These surveys require training
Currently, the preparation is simple and convenient for the patient. The patient purchases microclysters at the pharmacy and, 1 hour before leaving home for an appointment with a specialist, injects two microclysters into the rectum one after the other without interruption, squeezing their contents into the intestine. After 5-10 minutes after that, the urge to act of defecation appears and the intestines should be emptied. For some time the patient is at home and at the appointed time leaves for an appointment with a specialist.
Questions and Answers
If the patient is not disturbed by anything and there is no genetic predisposition to vascular diseases in the anamnesis, then at least once in 5 years. In the presence of any discomfort or pronounced symptoms of diseases of the anus, you should immediately see a doctor.
No. Modern medicine is aimed at maximum patient comfort. Therefore, the procedures are done on modern equipment, which allows the diagnosis to be made as painlessly as possible. In some cases, pain is the reason for postponing the procedure for a period of remission.
Peristalsis (contraction) moves the feces throughout the intestines. In the process, water and nutrients are absorbed by the walls. If the peristalsis is insufficient, the feces get stuck in one area.