[Practical proctology (author's transl)].

Hemorrhoidal complaints are the most frequent diseases of the rectal region and form the starting point for practically all other diseases of the rectal area. Acute bleeding often first brings the patient to the doctor, who must establish the source of the hemorrhage with all diagnostic means available. Further stages of the disease are temporary or complete prolapse of the hemorrhoids, under certain circumstances even prolapse of the rectum. Anal cryptitis is the first member of a chain of inflammatory sequelae such as perianal abscess and fistular diseases. It is frequently overlooked, yet in the early stages it could easily be cut short by suitable measures. Proctology has a responsible task to fulfill in the early recognition of diseases of the rectum and malignant tumors of the colon.