At a glance
A colorectal surgeon appointment is often the first time someone sees a specialist about their symptoms. It can feel intimidating — both because of the nature of the examination and because the topic feels private. Understanding what happens during the appointment helps reduce anxiety and ensures you get the most from it.
This guide walks through what to expect, from preparation through the examination and discussion.
Before the appointment
How to prepare
The appointment is short — typically fifteen to thirty minutes. Preparation makes the difference between leaving with answers and leaving with regrets about what you forgot to ask.
Bring:
- A written list of your symptoms — when they started, how they have changed, what makes them better or worse
- A list of treatments you have tried and their effects
- Your questions, written down
- Any relevant letters or test results from your GP
- A companion if you want support (someone to take notes can be valuable)
Consider writing down:
- Your main concern in one sentence
- The three most important questions you want answered
- Your medical history, including medications and allergies
What to wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to adjust. You will not need to undress fully — just enough for the examination.
During the appointment
History-taking
The surgeon will start by asking about your symptoms. They will want to know:
- What your symptoms are (pain, bleeding, discharge, lumps, itching)
- When they started and how they have progressed
- What you have tried so far
- Your bowel habits
- Your medical history
- Any relevant family history
Be as honest and specific as you can. The more accurate information the surgeon has, the better their assessment. Nothing you say will surprise them — they hear these symptoms every day.
The examination
For most colorectal conditions, a physical examination is part of the appointment. This typically includes:
Visual inspection: the surgeon looks at the perianal area to identify any visible conditions — hemorrhoids, fistula openings, fissures, skin tags, abscesses, or other changes.
Digital rectal examination (DRE): a gloved, lubricated finger is gently inserted into the rectum. This allows the surgeon to assess the sphincter tone, check for internal hemorrhoids, palpate for masses or tenderness, and assess the prostate in men. This takes about a minute.
Proctoscopy or anoscopy: a small tube (scope) may be inserted to look at the anal canal and lower rectum. This provides a direct view that helps with diagnosis. It is brief and may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.
During the examination
- You will typically lie on your left side with your knees drawn up
- A drape or gown is used for privacy
- The surgeon will explain what they are doing at each step
- You can ask them to stop at any time
- It is brief — usually two to three minutes in total
The discussion
After the examination, the surgeon will discuss their findings with you:
- What they have identified or suspect
- Any further investigations that may be needed (MRI, colonoscopy, blood tests)
- Treatment options and their recommendation
- What happens next — referral, follow-up, or treatment plan
This is the time for your questions. If you have written them down, now is when they matter most.
Common concerns
“I am embarrassed”
This is the most common feeling people describe. It is completely normal. Remember: colorectal surgeons chose this speciality. They examine this area many times every day. Your symptoms are routine to them, even if they feel deeply personal to you.
“What if the examination triggers my symptoms?”
If you have an active fissure, hemorrhoid, or abscess, let the surgeon know before the examination. They will adjust their approach — using lighter pressure, a smaller scope, or deferring part of the examination if it would be too uncomfortable.
“What if I forget my questions?”
This is why writing them down matters. Hand the list to the surgeon if you need to. No good specialist will mind.
After the appointment
What to expect
- A letter summarising the findings, usually sent to you and your GP
- Any follow-up appointments or investigations booked
- A clearer understanding of what you are dealing with
- Possibly prescriptions or treatment recommendations
If you leave with unanswered questions
It is common to think of questions after you leave. You can usually contact the consultant’s secretary to ask follow-up questions. Your GP can also relay questions and receive responses.
The practical message
A colorectal appointment is brief, professional, and focused. The examination is the part people dread most, but it is also the part that provides the most useful information. Going in prepared — with questions written down, symptoms documented, and an understanding of what to expect — transforms the experience from something to endure into something genuinely useful.