Proctogyneacology – who should treat? A proposed treatment algorithm

Proctogyneacology deals with conditions involving the anal canal, anal sphincter muscles, rectum, rectovaginal septum, and the female reproductive tract. They may be due to sagging of the pelvic floor and the rectovaginal septum (rectal, vaginal or uterine prolapse, enterocele and rectocele), perinatal injury, including sphincter damage, rectovaginal fistulas, endometriosis with anal sphincter and rectovaginal septum involvement, proctological inflammatory diseases in pregnancy, as well as radiation-induced rectal damage after gynaecological cancer treatment. There are no set guidelines defining which specialist should operate on these patients. We attempted to systematise this issue in the form of an algorithm. An interdisciplinary dialogue allowing for our professional development and, most of all, therapeutic success and reduced risk of postoperative complications, seems to be crucial.