Anorectal Disorders Flashcards
Give examples of congenital ano-rectal abnormalities
Imperforate anus
Uro-Genital Fistulae
Hirschprung’s Myenteric Plexus Deficiency
Give examples of acquired ano-rectal abnormalities
Haemorrhoids
Fissure
Abscess
Fistula-in-ano
Ulceration
Cancer
Control of Continence
What is the cause of haemorrhoids?
Venous plexus congestion around the anal canal
What is the aetiology of haemorrhoids?
Unknown
Associated with straining or constipation
What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Bright red rectal bleeding
Pruritis ani
Mucus discharge
What is the treatment of haemorrhoids?
Band ligation (if above the dentate line)
Injection scleropathy
Stapled anopexy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2y8XtGCCY)
What is the cause of anal fissures?
Trauma or ischaemia
What is an anal fissure?
Superficial mucosal tear most commonly in the midline posteriorly
What are the symptoms of anal fissures?
Pain on defacation
Minor bleeding
Mucus discharge and pruritis
Odematous skin tag / ‘sentinal pile’ may be present next to the fissure
Treatment for anal fissures requires relaxing the internal anal sphincter, how is this done?
Medical: Topical nitric oxide, diltiazem calcim bocker
Surgical: Internal lateral sphincterotomy
What happens as a result of the tension of the internal anal sphincter being too high?
The internal anal sphincter is always under tension, also known as resting pressure. If that pressure becomes too high, a fissure may form or an existing one may not heal.
In surgical anal sphincterectomy - an incision reduces the resting pressure, allowing the fissure to heal.
Where do perianal abscesses develop?
Inbetween the internal and external anal sphincters and may point at the perianal skin
Where do ischiorectal abscess occur?
Lateral to the sphincters in the ischiorectal fossa
How do ischiorectal abscesses usually develop?
Infection of the anal glands by normal intestinal bacteria
Crohn’s disease is sometimes responsible
What are the symptoms of perianal fistulae?
Extreme perianal pain, fever and discharge of pus