Dr. Ellada Manafova, a female proctologist in Baku, treats diseases of the colon, rectum and anal area, pelvic floor problems that develop after childbirth, and general surgery conditions. Below, each condition and treatment method has its own page. Choose the section that matches your complaint, or write to us directly and we'll point you in the right direction.
Treatment always starts with an examination. In many cases the problem is solved with medication, diet and changes in habits. Surgery is offered only when it is truly needed. In those cases, the least traumatic method with a short recovery is chosen.
Proctology: rectum and anal area
Hemorrhoids (piles)
Bleeding, burning, itching, lumps that come out after a bowel movement. In the early stages, treatment is medication and lifestyle changes. In advanced stages, treatment is laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), LigaSure or the Longo procedure.
Anal fissure
Often called an anal tear. Sharp, knife-like pain during and after bowel movements, blood on the toilet paper. An acute fissure often heals without surgery. For a chronic fissure, modern methods that relieve the sphincter spasm are used.
Anal abscess and anal fistula
Swelling in the anal area, throbbing pain, fever (abscess), or an opening in the skin that drains pus (fistula). An abscess needs urgent surgical treatment. A fistula does not heal on its own.
Constipation and digestive problems
Chronic constipation, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, difficulty on the toilet. Constipation is the most common cause of hemorrhoids and anal fissure, so it is important to find the cause of the constipation itself.
Colon polyps
They often cause no symptoms, but some types can turn into cancer over the years. They are found during a colonoscopy and removed during the same procedure.
Aesthetic proctology and changes after childbirth
Aesthetic proctology: overview
Changes in the pelvic floor that develop after childbirth and over the years: what happens, when treatment is needed, and which problems can be solved in a single operation.
Rectocele
Difficulty on the toilet, a feeling of incomplete emptying, having to use a finger to help. The front wall of the rectum bulges toward the vagina. In women, this is a frequently overlooked cause of constipation.
Cystocele and urinary incontinence
Leaking urine when laughing, coughing or sneezing, or a bladder that sags. Stress urinary incontinence is treated with a TOT (sling) procedure, and a sagging bladder with anterior colporrhaphy.
Vaginoplasty
Widening of the vagina and weakened muscle tone after childbirth. An operation aimed at functional and aesthetic restoration.
Labiaplasty
Correction of enlarged or asymmetrical labia minora. A solution for a problem that causes discomfort, friction and low self-confidence in everyday life.
General surgery
Gallstones and laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Pain under the right ribs, nausea after fatty meals. Stones that cause symptoms usually do not dissolve with medication. The standard treatment is removing the gallbladder laparoscopically, through small incisions.
Lipoma and lumps under the skin
A soft, painless, movable lump under the skin (lipoma) or a sebaceous cyst. It is removed under local anesthesia through a small incision.
Other general surgery operations are also performed, such as umbilical hernias and linea alba (midline abdominal) hernias. When indicated, these operations are combined with other procedures in the same session.
Diagnostics and treatment methods
Colonoscopy and endoscopic examination
An examination of the large intestine from the inside with a camera. It is the most accurate way to find the cause of bleeding, to detect and remove polyps, and to find cancer at an early stage.
Laser treatment
A less traumatic method used for hemorrhoids, chronic anal fissure and anal skin tags. It is not suitable for every stage or every patient, and the decision is made after an examination.
Surgical and conservative treatment, combined ("bouquet") operations
When medication and lifestyle changes are enough, and when surgery is needed. Combined ("bouquet") operations treat several problems in the same session, under one anesthesia.
When should you see a proctologist?
Pain in the anal area, bleeding, itching, swelling, discharge of pus, difficulty on the toilet, or a long-lasting change in bowel habits are all a proctologist's field. There is no need to be ashamed of these complaints. They are very common, and they are treated in a simpler way when you seek help in time. You can find the full list of warning signs in our article about proctologists.
Frequently asked questions
Does every proctological problem need surgery?
No. An acute anal fissure, early-stage hemorrhoids and many cases of constipation are treated with medication, diet and correcting toilet habits. Surgery is offered when conservative treatment doesn't help or when the disease has progressed.
Can several problems be treated at the same time?
Yes, when it is medically indicated. For example, hemorrhoids and an anal fissure, rectocele and vaginal laxity, or gallstones and an umbilical hernia can be operated on in the same session under one anesthesia. This is called combined ("bouquet") surgery. You'll find more on the surgical and conservative treatment page.
How long does the first exam take, and is it painful?
The conversation and examination usually take 20–30 minutes. A proctological exam is short and, in most cases, painless. If you have severe pain, the exam is done with a numbing gel. It takes place in private.
Does the doctor also see male patients?
Yes. Both women and men are seen. The section on changes after childbirth and intimate surgery, however, applies to women.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ellada ManafovaLast updated:
The information on this page is for education only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have symptoms, book an appointment. In an emergency, call 103.