Anorectal disorder

Anorectal disorders are painful but common conditions like hemorrhoids, tears, fistulas, or abscesses that affect the anal region.[1][2] Most people experience some form of anorectal disorder during their lifetime.[3] Primary care physicians can treat most of these disorders,[1] however, high-risk individuals include those with HIV, roughly half of whom need surgery to remedy the disorders.[3]

Because these disorders afflict the rectum, people are often embarrassed or afraid to confer with a medical professional.[1]

Symptoms

Itchiness, a burning sensation, pus discharge, blood, and swelling in around the rectum and anus,[3] diarrhea.[4]

Diagnosis

Doctors uses a variety of tools and techniques to evaluate the type of anorectal disorder, including digital and anoscopic investigations, palpations, and palpitations. The initial examination can be painful because a gastroenterologist will need to spread the buttocks and probe the painful area, which may require a local anesthetic.[1]

Treatment

Treatments range from recommendations for over-the-counter products to more invasive surgical procedures.

Among the most common outpatient advice given to patients with less severe disorders include a high-fiber diet, application of ointment, and increased water intake. More serious procedures include the removal of affected tissue, injection of botulinum toxin, or surgically opening the fistula tract in the sphincter muscle.[1]

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Schubert, Moonkyung Cho; Sridhar, Subbaramiah; Schade, Robert R; Wexner, Steven D (14 July 2009). "What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders". World J Gastroenterol. 15 (26): 3201–3209. doi:10.3748/wjg.15.3201. PMC 2710774Freely accessible. PMID 19598294. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
  2. "Anorectal disorders". The Free Dictionary by Farlex. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Ehrenpreis, Eli (2003). Anal and Rectal Diseases Explained. Remedica. ISBN 978-1-901346-67-1.
  4. Givel, Jean-Claude (2009). Anorectal and Colonic Diseases: A Practical Guide to their Management. Springer. ISBN 978-3-54069418-2.
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