Disorders of the Rectum Flashcards
Where is the most common location for Anal fissures?
Posterior midline!!!
What might be indicated by anal fissures found off of the midline?
UC Crohn's HIV/AIDS TB Syphillis Anal Ca.
MC cause of Anal fissure?
Trauma (MC) Defecation Straining constipation high sphincter tone
What might a pt who presents to you say about their Anal Fissure pain?
“It feels like I’m shitting glass!”
What may occur d/t spasms created by anal fissure pain?
reduced blood flow which can lead to mucosal ischemia
sx of anal fissure
moderate to severe tearing/throbbing pain
Hematochezia may or may not be present on TP (not severe bleeding though)
What does an acute anal fissure look like?
crack in the epithelium (a crack in your back (posterior) crack)
What may a chronic anal fissure look like?
fibrosis and development of skin take “sentinel pile”
acute Tx for anal fissure?
promote effortless BM
Fiber
Stool softener
Topical anesthetics
Chronix tx for anal fissure?
topical NTG
Botox
What percent of anal fissures heal with conservative tx
80%
What surgery can be performed to prevent reucurrence of anal fissure?
sphincterotomy (may result in incontenence)
Define anal fistula
a hollow tract which has primary opening inside anal canal leading to secondary opening in perianal skin
What might cause an anal fistula?
Anorectal or perianal abscess crohsn fissures trauma ca radiation actinomyoces rectal tuberculosis chlamydial infections lympgranuloma venerum
Sx of Anal fistula?
Hx of IBD Perianal dc (chronic) itching Pain -mc in abscess stage swelling bleeding diarrhea skin excoriation external opening (chronic)
What is seen on visual exam of a pt with an anal fistula?
external opening
elevation of granulation tissue (fibrous tract)
On DRE what might be observed for a pt with an anal fistula?
spontaneous expressible discharge
feel fibrous tract (cord) below skin
sphincter tone
What is the “poor man’s test” anoscopy?
Anoscope and hydrogen peroxide. Look through scope into rectum and use syringe to flush hydrogen peroxide int the external opening of supposed fistula. If bubbling is seen through anoscope then it must track up that far.
DDX for anal fistula?
Hydradenitis suppurativa
pilonidal cyst
Bartholin gland abscess
Infected sebacceous cyst
Labs for anal fistula
none
Imaging for anal fistula?
fistulography endoanal/endorectal US MRI with rectal coil CT scan scope if suspect IBD
tx for anal fistula?
sitz baths, analgesics, stool bulking agents Surgical: fistolotomy/fistulectomy seton placement NaAg tx in office Fistula plug fibrin glue colostomy endorectal advancement flap (LIFT)
complications of anal fistula?
bleeding fecal impaction thromboses hemorrhoids recurrence incontinence anal steonsis delayed would healing esp with crohns
Post surgical healing is dependent upon?
surgical technique and pt’s compliance
What is the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids?
internal-subepithelial vasculatures above the dentate line (rarely painful)
External-arise from inferior hemorrhoidal veins, below dentate line cause swelling, pain, hygiene issues
Where do hemorrhoids occur?
R anterior
R posterior
L lateral