A colon and rectal surgeon is going to deal with medicine relating to rectum or anus disorders. Any colon and rectal surgeon is going to specialize as a colorectal surgeon or proctologist. The colon and rectal surgeon works closely with urologists to diagnose issues.

Disorders a colon and rectal surgeon may see include varicosities, fecal incontinence, imperforate anus, anal cancer, or other issues. For example anal fissures where an unnatural crack or tear occurs may require a colon and rectal surgeon to try and repair the damage. Some people are born with imperfections like the imperforate anus. In this case colon and rectal surgeons must deal with a malformed rectum. This type of surgery is perhaps one of the most unpleasant, but needed nonetheless.