Haemorrhoids and Anorectal Disease Flashcards
What is Haemorrhoids?
The swelling and inflammation of the veins of the rectum and anus
Describe when Haemorrhoids commmonly presents?
Associated with constipation
Common during pregnancy
Clinical Features of Haemorrhoids?
Bright Red Blood
Painless
Pruritus Anus (Itching)
Different types of Haemorrhoids?
Primary (Internal) - Bleeding but not externally visible
Secondary (Prolapsing) - Bleed, can pop in and out spontaneously
Third (Prolapsed) - Needs manual replacement after prolapse
Where on the anus are haemorrhoids most common?
3,7 and 11 on the clock (This is where the arteries come out)
Investigations for Haemorrhoids?
PR Exam
Rigid Sigmoidscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Over 50)
Treatment for Haemorrhoids?
Sclerotherapy
Band Ligation
Haemorrhoidectomy
What is rectal prolapse?
This is when the walls of the rectum protrude through the opening of the anus
Describe the two types of rectal prolapse?
Partial (Anterior Muscle Prolapse) or Complete (Full thickness)
Describe the sequence of events leading to prolapse?
Usually there is intusussception of the bowel (Small bowel telescopes into the large) which gets bigger and bigger until it finally prolapses
Presentation of Anal prolapse?
Protruding mass from the anus
Worse on defaecation
Bleeding and passing mucus
Tenesmus
Causes of Anal Prolapse?
Constipation
Straining
Treatment of Asymptomatic Anal Prolapse?
Advice to stop straining
Take stool softeners
Treatment of Symptomatic TOTAL Anal Prolapse?
Surgery - Delome’s Procedures, Rectopexy
Treatment of Symptomatic PARTIAL anal prolapse?
Kids = Dietary Advice, Treat constipation Adults = Similar to haemorrhoids - Sclerotherapy and Band Ligation
What is an anal fissure?
This is a tear in the skin that lines the anus below the dentate line
Where do anal fissures commonly present?
Usually in the midline and posterior
What would be the cause of multiple anal fissures?
Crohn’s Disease
Presentation of anal fissures?
Acute onset of severe anal pain usually following constipation
Feels like passing glass
Pain lasts for half an hour after daefacation
Bright red bleeding
Treatment of anal fissures?
Dietary Advice
Antiseptic Cream
Stool Softener
Botox Injection
What is an Anal Fistula?
This is an abnormal communication between two epithelial surfaces - a track between the internal opening and an opening in the perianal skin
What causes Anal Fistulas?
Abscess/Ulcer
Crohn’s
TB
Carcioma
Investigations of Anal Fistula?
Sigmoidoscopy
Treatment of Anal Fistula?
Seton Insertion (To drain all pus) Corrective Surgery