Which department should I visit for blood in the stool?

Blood in the stool can be evaluated by either a gastroenterologist or a proctologist (colorectal surgeon). Blood in the stool may result from gastrointestinal bleeding; conditions such as colorectal cancer and colitis fall under the purview of gastroenterology. Alternatively, patients may consult a proctologist for conditions including rectal cancer, rectal polyps, colorectal cancer, and colonic polyps—all of which can be managed within proctology. Hematochezia may also stem from hemorrhoids, in which case a general surgeon should be consulted. Additionally, blood in the stool can sometimes be associated with hematologic disorders, necessitating evaluation by a hematologist.