Rectum and Anal Pathology Flashcards
Define anal fissure
Acute longitudinal tear or a chronic ovoid ulcer in the squamous epithelium of anal canal
what is the pathophys of anal fissure?
- Anal fissures result from laceration by a hard or large stool, w/ 2° infection
- Trauma (i.e. anal intercourse) is a rare cause
- May cause internal sphincter spasm, ↓ blood supply & perpetuating the fissure
What are the sxs of anal fissures?
- Posterior midline but may occur in the anterior midline
A. Pain
B. Bleeding w/ bm
How are anal fissures dxed?
- Dx is made by inspection
A. Unless findings suggest a specific cause, no further studies required
B. Exam must be gentle but w/ adequate spreading of buttocks to allow visualization - Anoscopy
How are anal fissure treated?
- Stool Softeners
- Bulking Agents
- Sitz baths
- Protective Ointments (Zinc Oxide)
- Topical Nitroglycerin Ointment/Nifedipine Cream
A. Vasoconstrict - Botulinum Toxin Type A injection
A. Relaxes sphincter tone & ↓ maximal resting anal pressure - Surgery (internal anal sphincterotomy)
What is an anorectal abscess?
- Localized collection of pus in perirectal spaces
- Located in various spaces surrounding the rectum
- May be superficial or deep
What concomittant dz can cause anorectal abscess?
Crohn’s disease (especially of the colon) sometimes causes anorectal abscess
What infectious agents may be within the abscess?
Mixed infection w/ Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacteroides, streptococci, & staphylococci predominating
What are the sxs of anorectal abscesses?
- Pain
- Perianal swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Deeper abscesses may be less painful but cause toxic symptoms (fever, chills, malaise)
- May be no perianal findings, but DRE may reveal a tender, fluctuant swelling of rectal wall
- Sometimes fever is the only symptom
What anorectal abscesses do not require imaging?
Patients who have a pointing cutaneous abscess, a normal digital rectal examination, & no signs of systemic illness do not require imaging
What anorectal abscesses do require imaging?
- Rarely examination under anesthesia or CT
A. Those with any findings suggestive of a deeper abscess or Crohn’s disease should have an examination under anesthesia at the time of drainage - Higher (supralevator) abscesses require CT to determine the intra-abdominal source of sepsis
How is anorectal abscess treated by I&D?
- Prompt incision & adequate drainage required & should not wait until the abscess points.
- Warm-water cleansing, Analgesics, Stool softeners, and High-fiber diet (WASH regimen)
When is anorectal abscess treated by abx?
- Antibiotics for high-risk patients
A. Febrile, neutropenic, DM, cellulitis
-Ciprofloxacin 500 mg IV q 12 h + Metronidazole 500 mg IV q 8 h,
-Ampicillin/Sulbactam 1.5 g IV q 8 h - Antibiotics are not indicated for healthy patients w/ superficial abscesses, but Deb still puts them on abx
What is an anorectal fistula?
Tube-like track w/1 opening in anal canal & other usually in perianal skin
What is the etiology of anorectal fistula?
- Fistulas arise spontaneously or occur 2° to drainage of a perirectal abscess
- Predisposing causes include Crohn’s Dz & TB
- Most fistulas originate in the anorectal crypts
- Others may result from diverticulitis, tumors, or trauma
What are the sxs of anorectal fistula?
- Hx of recurrent abscess followed by intermittent or constant discharge is common
- Discharge material is purulent, sero-sanguinous, or both
- Pain may be present if infected
- A cordlike tract can often be palpated
- A probe inserted into tract can determine the depth & direction & locate primary opening