procto

Procto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “anus” or “rectum,” technical terms for parts of the butt. It is used in some medical terms, especially in pathology and surgery.

Procto- comes from the Greek ���ō���ó��, meaning “anus.”

������ are variants of procto-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, procto- becomes proct-, as in proctalgia.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features procto- ������proctology, “the branch of medicine dealing with the rectum and anus.” A specialist in this is a proctologist.

The procto- portion of the word refers to anus and the rectum. The -logy portion of the word is used to name sciences, studies, or bodies of knowledge. Proctology literally means “study of the rectum and anus.”

������ are some words that use the combining form procto- or proct-?

• proctatresia
• proctectomy
• proctocele
• proctodynia
• proctopexy
• proctoplasty
• proctotomy

������ are some other forms that procto- may be commonly confused with?

• pro-
• proto-

Not every word that begins with the exact letters procto- or proct- is necessarily using the combining forming procto- to denote “anus.” Proctor is one example. Learn the very different history and meaning of proctor at our entry for the word.

The combining form -tomy means “cutting” or “incision” of an organ. ������ does the medical procedure of a proctotomy involve?