Patient Education

Michael Buckmire would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Michael Buckmire provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a tear in the mucous membrane that lines the anus and the anal canal. This condition often leads to pain, itching, burning and bleeding during bowel movements, as well as as to a visible crack in the skin around the anus. Anal fissures are relatively common in young infants, but can occur in patients of all ages. While most anal fissures heal on their own within 4 to 6 weeks, some require surgery. ...

Sphincterotomy

Sphincterotomy is the surgical procedure that stretches or cuts the internal sphincter, which is the muscle used to eliminate stool from the body. It is performed to repair an anal fissure, which is a tear in the tissue that lines the anus or anal canal. Anal fissures often cause pain, burning and bleeding during bowel movements, visible cracks in the skin around the anus, and itching. Although they usually heal on their own with few or no complications, surgery may be necessary for anal fissures that are chronic and unresponsive to noninvasive treatments. ...

Fistulotomy

A fistulotomy is an outpatient surgical procedure designed to repair an anal fistula. An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that forms in the anorectal area, typically running from the anal canal to an irregular hole in the perineum, the area between the anus and the genitals. While some fistulas may resolve with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment, many require surgical intervention. ...

Anal Stenosis

Anal stenosis, also known as anal stricture, is a rare, debilitating condition that occurs as a result of a narrowing at the bottom of the anal canal. The disorder results in difficulty passing stool. Anal stenosis is sometimes found in infants due to a congenital disorder. In adults, it may result from a number of causes, usually involving scarring. Scar tissue, because it is considerably less pliable than normal tissue, tends to create a blockage, causing a narrowing of the anal canal. At times, because the condition develops gradually, patients believe they are simply constipated. Unfortunately, continually straining during bowel movements can result in further injury to the area, resulting in more scarring and increased muscle strain and nerve irritation, all of which may exacerbate the problem. ...

Anorectal Manometry

The anorectal manometry procedure, or ARM, is used to evaluate the muscle tone of the internal and external anal sphincter muscles, the ones that control bowel movements and prevent leakage of stool. This diagnostic test is commonly used to assess bowel movement issues such as chronic constipation, fecal incontinence or a failure of the muscles to relax during defecation, a condition known as anismus or dyssynergic defecation. ...

Anoscopy

An anoscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the inner lining of the anus, the anal canal, and the rectum. The rectum is the lowest portion of the large intestine and the anus is the opening through which waste is evacuated. The anal canal is the channel that connects them. During an anoscopy, a small tube, called an anoscope, is inserted in the anus and into the rectum to detect abnormalities in the region, including hemorrhoids and benign or malignant polyps or tumors. ...

Anoplasty

Anoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reconstruct the anus and to widen the anal canal. This operation is performed primarily to correct a congenital abnormality called imperforate anus in which the infant's anal opening is blocked or completely closed. The other is to correct severe cases of anal stenosis in which the anal canal is abnormally narrow making it difficult to defecate. The majority of cases of adult anal stenosis occur as a complication of a surgical procedure in the area, most commonly a hemorrhoidectomy. If anal stenosis is mild, it can be treated successfully by nonsurgical methods, but if it is severe it requires an anoplasty. ...

Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that typically runs from the anal canal to an irregular hole in the perineum, the area between the anus and the genitals. The condition can cause extreme discomfort and may interfere with normal bowel function. There are two primary types of anal fistulas: high and low. The low fistulas are present in the lower anorectal area, while the high fistulas extend upwards beyond the region known as the anorectal sling. The higher fistulas are more serious because they can, if not appropriately treated, result in fecal incontinence. ...

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. In their normal state, these veins provide cushioning during bowel movements. They can, however, swell from lifting, straining, being constipated, passing hard stools and having diarrhea, or from pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are not life-threatening, but they can be painful. If swelling persists, the veins may become permanently stretched (prolapsed). ...

Hemorrhoids FAQs

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). In their normal state, these veins provide cushioning during bowel movements. They can, however, swell from lifting, straining, being constipated, passing hard stools and having diarrhea, or from pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are not usually serious, but they can be painful and interfere with quality of life. If swelling persists, the veins may become permanently stretched (prolapsed). Hemorrhoids are a very common complaint, particularly in people older than 50. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available. ...

Anal Pain

Anal pain, or pain in the perianal region (the area around the anus or rectum), is a common complaint with a number of different causes. Although the causes of anal pain are often benign, the pain itself can be severe because of the many nerve endings in the area. If anal pain is associated with rectal bleeding, fever, or anal discharge, it is more likely to be serious and a physician should be consulted promptly. ...

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a common condition involving a loss of bowel control, resulting in a leaking of stool from the rectum, which often occurs during the passage of gas. It typically affects older adults and is more common in older females because of past pregnancies. Although it may be embarrassing to discuss, fecal incontinence is a common condition affecting millions of people, and should receive proper medical attention so that patients can engage in their everyday activities without the worry of incontinence. ...

Colon Resection

A colon resection, or colectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove either part, or all, of the large intestine (colon). This procedure is performed to repair a congenital abnormality or damage caused by a disease condition, a traumatic injury or a severe infection. A colon resection may be performed as an open procedure or laparoscopically. Wherever possible, the laparoscopic procedure is preferred since it results in smaller incisions, fewer complications, and a shorter recovery period. Normally, during a colon resection, after the diseased portions of the colon are removed, the healthy ends of the colon are reattached to one another with sutures. In more serious cases, however, a colostomy may be necessary, either temporarily or permanently. ...

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the inside of the colon and rectum; it is used to determine causes of abdominal pain; rectal bleeding; and changes in bowel activity. It is also used to detect early signs of cancer. Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years for everyone between the ages of 50 and 75. They may be recommended more frequently, or at a younger age, for people at elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), typically patients with certain medical conditions or with a family history of the disease. Colonoscopies are also performed as follow-ups to other screening tests with positive results, such as a fecal occult blood tests. ...

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, develops in the large intestine or the rectum. Cancer occurs when healthy cells become altered, growing and dividing in a way that keeps the body from functioning normally. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as small, benign clusters of cells (polyps) on the lining of the colon or rectum. Certain types of polyps, called adenomas, can become malignant. ...

Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgical procedure performed to attach one end of the large intestine to an opening in the abdominal wall (a stoma) through which body waste drains into a bag designed for the purpose. This operation is performed when a section of the colon has to be removed due to illness, infection or injury in order to give the remaining portion of the colon a chance to heal. The procedure may be performed as a temporary measure until healing takes place, or may be a permanent solution, especially when the rectum has also been removed. ...

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches found in the inner lining of the intestinal tract. Diverticulosis, the condition that causes the pouches to form, is common in people age 40 and older. Nearly half the people in the United States develop diverticulosis by the age of 60. Diverticula, which are multiple small pouches, can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, but are most commonly found in the lower portion of the large intestine, the sigmoid colon. Most often, these pouches are not troublesome, but when they become infected and inflamed, the resulting condition is known as diverticulitis. ...

Ileostomy

Ileostomy (also called "enterostomy") is the surgical diversion of the ileum, the last 12 feet of the small intestine, to an opening (stoma) created in the abdominal wall. It is performed to keep digestive waste from passing through the small and large intestines. Depending on the reason it is being performed, ileostomy is either temporary or permanent. A temporary ileostomy is performed to allow the intestine to heal without the complication of stool, and can be reversed with little or no loss of intestinal function. A permanent ileostomy is performed when damage or disease requires the removal of the large intestine and rectum. ...

Ischemic Colitis

A form of vascular colitis, ischemic colitis occurs when blood flow to the large intestine is reduced because of a blockage, or a narrowing of blood vessels. Diminished blood flow means inadequate oxygen for cells in the digestive system, resulting in significant pain typically felt in the abdominal area. ...

Proctitis

Proctitis is an inflammation of the lining of the rectum, which is the lower portion of the colon (large intestine). Rectal pain and discomfort are common symptoms of proctitis, which often affects people who have irritable bowel disease. Infections, certain sexually transmitted diseases, rectal-area trauma, certain antibiotics, and anal-area radiation therapy can result in proctitis. ...

Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer develops in the tissues of the rectum, which is the final six inches of the colon that extend to the anus. Most cases of rectal cancer begin as small, benign clusters of cells (called polyps) on the lining of the rectum. Certain types of polyps, called adenomas, can become malignant. Screening to locate and remove precancerous polyps can prevent rectal cancer from developing, so it is recommended that polyps be removed early in their growth. ...

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a condition in which a section of the wall of the rectum falls (descends) from its normal position and, in some cases, protrudes from anus. It mainly affects the elderly, and children younger than six. Women can be affected by prolapse after childbirth, with rectal and vaginal prolapse occurring at the same time. ...

Rectocele

Rectocele occurs when part of the wall of the rectum bulges into the vagina. Also called "posterior prolapse," it can be caused by multiple or difficult childbirths, chronic cough, chronic constipation, and weakened vaginal muscles. Rectocele is more common in postmenopausal women, and in women who are obese and/or smoke. ...

Pilonidal Cyst Removal

A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled, pimple-like sac at the coccyx (tailbone), just below the crack of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts are prone to infection; if one does become infected, filling with pus, it is technically called a "pilonidal abscess." Pilonidal abscesses are always treated with excision and drainage because, left untreated, the infection can spread. ...

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the sigmoid, the lower and last end of the colon, also known as the descending colon. The rectum and sigmoid colon are parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The rectum is approximately six inches long and is located between the sigmoid colon and the anus. A flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure is often used to determine the cause of changes in bowel activity, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and to investigate other gastrointestinal symptoms. ...