Inspection with a sigmoidoscope helps a doctor determine whether the problem is being caused by cancer, Crohn's disease, or another disorder. If too much of the sphincter is cut, the person may have difficulty controlling bowel movements. If the person has diarrhea, active ulcerative colitis, or active Crohn's disease, all of which may delay wound healing, the operation usually isn't performed. In ulcerative proctitis, a common form of proctitis, ulcers appear in the inflamed rectal lining. The condition may affect 1 to 4 inches of the lower rectum.
Some cases eventually evolve into ulcerative colitis.
Proctitis, which is becoming increasingly common, has several causes. It may result from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Anyone whose immune system is impaired is also at increased risk of developing proctitis, particularly from infections caused by the herpes simplex virus or cytomegalovirus. Proctitis may be caused by a specific bacterium, such as Salmonella , or by the use of an antibiotic that destroys normal intestinal bacteria and allows other bacteria to grow in their place. Another cause of proctitis is radiation therapy directed at or near the rectum.