A colorectal surgeon has a particular interest in diseases of the colon and rectum. To become an expert in the treatment and management of these conditions, a colorectal surgeon must undergo training in both general surgery and advanced training in problems of the lower gastrointestinal tract. A colorectal surgeon may also sometimes be known as a Coloproctologist.


Training to be a Colorectal Surgeon
The surgeon usually completes 5 to 6 years of the General Surgery residency program after medical school. Specialized programs that a general surgeon must undergo to become a colon and rectal surgeon generally take 1 to 2 more years. In all, a colorectal surgeon has undergone a minimum of 14 years of formal classroom education and practical training before becoming certified.


Expertise:
A colorectal surgeon that is certified by either the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland or  American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery must have proficiency in diagnosing and treating the following conditions:

   Anorectal conditions 
   Hemorrhoids
   Anal Fissures
   Anal Abscesses
   Anal Fistulas 

   Inflammatory bowel disease 
   Ulcerative colitis
   Crohn's disease 
   
   Diverticular Disease of Colon

   Colonic Cancer and Polyps 
   
   Endoscopy of the colon and rectum 
   Rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy
   Colonoscopy
   Endoscopic polypectomy

   Intestinal and anorectal physiology 
   
   Anal incontinence
   Constipation
   Diarrhea
   Rectal prolapse