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 prōktós, meaning “anus.”

What 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- is 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.”

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

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

What 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. What does the medical procedure of a proctotomy involve?