The diagnosis and management of common anorectal disorders*

Miscellaneous Perianal Afflictions

This article provides an overview of hidradenitis suppurativa, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, calcinosis cuti, pyogenic granuloma, intertrigo, and seborrheic keratosis. This article also focuses on recognition and management of these pleomorphic afflictions of the perianal region.

Ischiorectal fossa: benign and malignant neoplasms of this "ignored" radiological anatomical space

PURPOSE

To review the pertinent anatomy and the imaging features of common and uncommon benign and malignant neoplasms and masses of the ischiorectal fossa.

RESULTS

The ischiorectal or ischioanal fossa is the largest space in the anorectal region. The benign neoplasms that develop in the ischiorectal originate from the different components that forms the fossa including vascular tumors such as aggressive angiomyxoma or hemangioma; neural tumors as plexiform neurofibroma or schwannoma; fat tumors as lipoma; skin/skin appendages tumors as hidradenoma papilliferum; smooth or skeletal muscle tumors as solitary fibrous tumor. The malignant neoplasms that develop in the ischiorectal fossa also originate from different components that forms the fossa including vascular tumors such as angiosarcoma, neural tumors as malignant granular cell tumor and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor; fat tumors as liposarcoma; smooth or skeletal muscle tumors as leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant PEComa, or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Additionally, the ischiorectal fossa can also harbor secondary hematogenous metastases and be affected by direct invasion from neoplasms of adjacent pelvic organs and structures. Furthermore, other miscellaneous masses can occur in the ischiorectal fossa including congenital and developmental lesions, and inflammatory and infectious processes.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the anatomy, and the spectrum of imaging findings of common and uncommon benign and malignant neoplasms of the ischiorectal fossa is crucial for the radiologists during interpretation of images allowing them to make contributions to the diagnosis and better patient management.

MRI of anal canal: normal anatomy, imaging protocol, and perianal fistulas: Part 1

Anal complaints are very common in the general population and are caused by a variety of disorders mostly benign in nature. The aim of this article is to provide the radiologist with a detailed description of the MRI anatomy and technique, and an overview of the various diseases most commonly presenting with anal pain, by descriptions and illustrative examples of MRI features of each entity.

MRI of anal canal: common anal and perianal disorders beyond fistulas: Part 2

A broad spectrum of disease, from benign processes to life-threatening pathologies, can cause anal pain. MR imaging (MRI) has become increasingly widely used method over the past two decades for the evaluation of individuals with anorectal symptoms. Although imaging is rarely necessary to determine the etiology of the majority of cases, MRI is particularly useful as a noninvasive method of excluding severe neoplastic conditions. In this article, MRI findings of a number of pathologies such as anal and perianal neoplasms, hemorrhoidal disease, arteriovenous malformation of the perianal region, and anal sphincter lesions (defects, scarring, atrophy) which may lead to fecal incontinence are presented.

Comparative clinical study of Apamarga Kshara application, infrared coagulation and Arshohara Vati in the management of Arsha (1st and 2nd degree hemorrhoids)

Introduction:

In anorectal disorders, incidences of piles and fissures are increasing in Indian population due to western lifestyle. Many surgical methods are available to cure anorectal disorders, but now a days, demand for Ayurveda and herbal preparation is increasing in society.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, Apamarga Kshara application, infrared coagulation (IRC) procedure and Arshohara Vati (AV) tablet were administered for the management of internal hemorrhoid (Arsha). This study was an open labelled, prospective, interventional study, in which patients of piles [n = 30 (10 each group)] were selected from OPD of Institutional hospital. Apamarga Kshara application (AKA) was done on the internal piles for 1–3 sittings as per requirement, IRC was applied at the base of piles for one sitting and two tablets (500 mg each tablet) of AV were given orally thrice a day for 15 days. In all the three groups, the patients were assessed every week for 1 month and were followed up for another 1 month for relief in signs and symptoms.

Results:

Obtained results were analyzed and encouraging results were observed after completion of the treatment.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that Apamarga Kshara application is the most effective treatment for the management of internal hemorrhoid of 1^st and 2^nd degree in comparison to IRC procedure and administration of Arshohara Vati.

Increasing efficacy and reducing side effects in treatment of chronic anal fissures: A study of topical diazepam therapy

This is a single institution nonexperimental study intended to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of topical diazepam in treating symptoms of chronic anal fissures.Anal fissures are a common cause of anal pain. Conventional treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical creams, such as nitroglycerin and nifedipine, and surgery. However, these treatments are usually suboptimally efficacious or have deterring side effects.Patients at an outpatient community center with a diagnosis of a chronic anal fissure were prescribed either topical 2% (n = 19) or 4% (n = 18) diazepam cream between January 2013 and February 2015. We retrospectively analyzed their responses to treatment.All 19 patients using 2% diazepam cream experienced a positive response in pain, whereas 47.4% experienced a complete response, with a numerical rating scale (NRS) score of 0 (0-10). Eighty-eight percent of patients using 4% dose had a positive response in pain, whereas 23.5% experienced a complete response. Ninety-four percent of patients using 2% dose had a positive response in anal bleeding, whereas 68.8% experienced a complete response with an anal bleeding score (ABS) of 2 (2-9). Ninety-four percent of patients using 4% dose had a positive response in anal bleeding, whereas 64.7% experienced a complete response. Only 1 patient reported a side effect from diazepam cream-perianal pruritus.Both 2% and 4% topical diazepam provided significant pain and bleeding relief from chronic anal fissures that were refractory to conventional therapies. There were insignificant differences when assessing independent comparisons for pain and bleeding between the doses.

A study assessing postoperative Corrugate Rubber drain of perianal abscess

Background

Perianal abscess which can lead to a devastating complications. The management of perianal abscess involves incision and drainage by different methods one of them is packing the cavity.

Aim of the study

The aim is using Corrugate Rubber drain as an alternative to other methods.

Patients and methods

This study was an observational retrospective review of 137 'case series' of patients with perianal abscess over a fifteen-year period from January 2000 to December 2015. 67 patients in group A were managed by Corrugated Rubber drain and 70 patients in group B were managed by packing. In group A, males were 92.53% more than females (7.46%) while group B, males were 85.71% and the rest were females. Outcome measures were assessed; time to cavity healing, pain scoring, abscess recurrence, fistula formation, analgesic requirement and skin disfigurement.

Results

The mean time of abscess healing in group A and B were 8.50 ± 0.49 and 8.90 ± 0.23 days respectively. Their pain score using Corrugate Rubber drain postoperative were 2/10 in group A while group B was 8/10. Most of patients in group A needed mild analgesia (52/67) (77.61%). The rate of abscess recurrence and fistula development were (22/67) (32.83%) and (21/67) (31.34%) respectively in group A which is significantly lower than group B.

Conclusions

Management of perianal abscess using Corrugate Rubber drain in compares with packing leads to immediate pain relief, low recurrence rate of abscess and fistula formation, without need to expert nursing and less ugly scar formation. This resulted in low morbidity and cost.

•

Management of perianal abscess involves cruciate incision over the abscess and drainage by using Corrugate Rubber drain as another method of drainage and an alternative to other methods like packing by assessing healing of perianal abscess, recurrence and fistula development.

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This study was an observational retrospective review of 137 ‘case series’ of patients with perianal abscess over a fifteen-year period from January 2000 to December 2015. 67 patients in group A were managed by Corrugated Rubber drain and 70 patients in group B were managed by packing.

•

In group A, males were 92.53% more than females (7.46%) while group B, males were 85.71% and the rest were females. Outcome measures were assessed; time to cavity healing, pain scoring, abscess recurrence, fistula formation, analgesic requirement and skin disfigurement.

•

The mean time of abscess healing in group A and B were 8.50 ± 0.49 and 8.90 ± 0.23 days respectively. Their pain score using Corrugate Rubber drain postoperative were 2/10 in group A while group B was 8/10.

•

Most of patients in group A needed mild analgesia (52/67) (77.61%). The rate of abscess recurrence and fistula development were (22/67) (32.83%) and (21/67) (31.34%) respectively in group A which is significantly lower than group B.

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Management of perianal abscess using Corrugate Rubber drain is better than other methods used regarding the outcome measures like pain relief is usually immediate. Bleeding and drainage usually subside within a few days.

•

The wounds heal over a matter of a few weeks and low recurrence rate and fistula formation. This resulted in low morbidity and cost.

A novel method of anal fissure laser surgery: a pilot study

Anal fissure is a common painful problem, affecting all age groups. Its pathophysiology is based on high sphincter pressures and reduced blood supplying and treatments which means that it generally reduces anal pressures and increases anodermal blood flow. Since each of the anal fissure's routine therapies has some limitations such as definite risk of permanent fecal incontinence and high recurrence rate, we tried to find a more effective and less invasive procedure. In this pilot study which was implemented on 25 male and female patients aged 20-75 years, diagnosed clinically with chronic anal fissure, the Carbon Dioxide Laser Fractional was used to treat patients. In order to first remove fibrotic and granulation tissues, the base and the edges of the fissure were laser beamed. Eight spots were made on the sphincter by the laser on its continuous mode; somehow, they were passed through the full thickness of sphincter without interrupting its continuance. Afterwards, the area around the fissure ulcer was irradiated by deep fractional mode of the laser to stimulate the submucosa to regenerate and rejuvenate. After going through this procedure, patients were followed up within 6 months to 1 year. Pain, bleeding, and constipation were significantly improved. None of the patients had recurrence after a 1-year follow-up, and none of them had fecal incontinence and/or inability to control the passage of gas too. This study revealed that this new laser-based surgery is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to treat the anal fissure that can be performed with local anesthesia in an outpatient clinic with minimal postoperative morbidity.

A retrospective analysis of 93 cases with anorectal abscess in a rural state hospital

OBJECTIVE

Anorectal abscess is a clinical condition frequently encountered in daily surgical practice and recurrences may occur despite treatment with adequate incision and drainage. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the variables that may have resulted in recurrent anorectal abscess, retrospectively.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-three patients out of 149 patients who underwent surgery for anorectal abscess at our center between 2011-2012 were included in this study. Data regarding age, gender, presence of recurrence, time to recurrence, abscess type, presence of fistula, fistula type, drain usage, length of hospital stay and follow-up duration were retrospectively recorded.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into two groups: the recurrence group and the treatment group. Eleven patients (11.8%) had a recurrence and the median time to recurrence was 3 months. None of the variables evaluated were found to be significantly associated with the presence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Variables such as age, gender, type of abscess, presence of fistula or drain usage were not associated with the development of recurrence in patients who underwent incision and drainage of an anorectal abscess.

A new minimally invasive treatment for anal fistula

In colorectal surgery, eradicating the fistula and maintaining continence are still complex challenges for a colorectal surgeon. A minimally invasive method using a novel device was performed to consecutively treat 14 patients with anal fistula from August 2008 to November 2009. After a follow-up period of 36 months, 13 patients achieved successful closure of their fistula tracts, and recurrence occurred only in one patient. Recurrence was due to the delay of dressing change. No patient had interference with continence, and no major intra- and postoperative complications were identified. Using the novel device with invasive methods can be a promising alternative for managing anal fistulas.

Pruritus ani: diagnosis and treatment

Pruritus ani is a common condition with multiple causes. Primary causes are thought to be fecal soiling or food irritants. Secondary causes include malignancy, infections including sexually transmitted diseases, benign anorectal diseases, systemic diseases, and inflammatory conditions. A broad differential diagnosis must be considered. A reassessment of the diagnosis is required if symptoms or findings are not responsive to therapy. The pathophysiology of itching, an overview of primary and secondary causes, and various treatment options are reviewed.

Clinical trial: marine lipid suppositories as laxatives

Cod-liver oil and other marine products containing polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects and may be useful in the treatment of various inflammatory and infectious diseases. We developed suppositories and ointment with 30% free fatty acid (FFA) extract from omega-3 fish oil. Our purpose was to evaluate the safety of marine lipid suppositories and ointment in healthy volunteers and to explore the laxative effect of the suppositories. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized either to a study group administrating 30% FFA suppositories and applying 30% FFA ointment to the perianal region twice per day for two weeks, or to a control group using placebo suppositories and ointment in a double blinded manner. Results: No serious toxic effects or irritation were observed. In the study group 93% felt the urge to defecate after administration of the suppositories as compared to 37% in the control group (P = 0.001). Subsequently 90% in the study group defecated, compared to 33% in the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The marine lipid suppositories and ointment were well tolerated with no significant toxic side effects observed during the study period. The suppositories have a distinct laxative effect and we aim to explore this effect in further clinical trials.

Phlebotonics for haemorrhoids

BACKGROUND

Haemorrhoids are variceal dilatations of the anal and perianal venous plexus and often develop secondary to the persistently elevated venous pressure within the haemorrhoidal plexus (Kumar 2005). Phlebotonics are a heterogenous class of drugs consisting of plant extracts (i.e. flavonoids) and synthetic compounds (i.e. calcium dobesilate). Although their precise mechanism of action has not been fully established, they are known to improve venous tone, stabilize capillary permeability and increase lymphatic drainage. They have been used to treat a variety of conditions including chronic venous insufficiency, lymphoedema and haemorrhoids.Numerous trials assessing the effect of phlebotonics in treating the symptoms and signs of haemorrhoidal disease suggest that there is a potential benefit.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to investigate the efficacy of phlebotonics in alleviating the signs, symptoms and severity of haemorrhoidal disease and verify their effect post-haemorrhoidectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library 2011 issue 9 , MEDLINE (1950 to September 2011) and EMBASE (1974 to September 2011).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials evaluating the use of phlebotonics in treating haemorrhoidal disease were used. No cross-over or cluster-randomized trials were included for analysis and any trial which had a quasi-random method of allocation was excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted the data and analysed the eligibility of the data for inclusion. Disagreements were resolved by meaningful discussion.

MAIN RESULTS

We considered twenty-four studies for inclusion in the final analysis. Twenty of these studies (enrolling a total of 2344 participants) evaluated the use of phlebotonics versus a control intervention. One of these twenty studies evaluated the use of phlebotonics with a medical intervention and another study with rubber band ligation.The remaining four studies included two which compared different forms of phlebotonics with each other, one study which evaluated phlebotonics with a medical intervention and one study which compared the use of phlebotonics with infrared photocoagulation. Eight studies were excluded for various reasons including poor methodological quality.Phlebotonics demonstrated a statistically significant beneficial effect for the outcomes of  pruritus (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.79) (P=0.02), bleeding (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.37) (P=0.0002), bleeding post-haemorrhoidectomy (OR 0.18; 95% 0.06 to 0.58)(P=0.004), discharge and leakage (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.42) (P=0.0008) and overall symptom improvement (OR 15.99 95% CI 5.97 to 42.84) (P< 0.00001), in comparison with a control intervention. Although beneficial they did not show a statistically significant effect compared with a control intervention for pain (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 1.11) (P=0.06), pain scores post-haemorrhoidectomy (SMD -1.04; 95% CI -3.21 to 1.12 ) (P= 0.35) or post-operative analgesic consumption (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.99)(P=0.05).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence suggests that there is a potential benefit in using phlebotonics in treating haemorrhoidal disease as well as a benefit in alleviating post-haemorrhoidectomy symptoms. Outcomes such as bleeding and overall symptom improvement show a statistically significant beneficial effect and there were few concerns regarding their overall safety from the evidence presented in the clinical trials.However methodological limitations were encountered. In order to enhance our conclusion further, more robust clinical trials which take into account these limitations will need to be performed in the future.

Approach to concomitant rectal and uterine prolapse: case report

The classic description of rectal prolapse is a protrusion of the rectum beyond the anus. Peaks of occurrences are noted in the fourth and seventh decades of life, and most patients (80-90%) are women. The condition is often concurrent with pelvic floor descent and prolapse of other pelvic floor organs, such as the uterus or the bladder. In this study, two cases having contraindication to general anesthesia with rectal and uterine prolapse are presented. These cases were operated on under local anesthesia with support of sedation by Leforte and Delorme's operation at the same time. In conclusion; pelvic floor disorders should be considered as a whole, and surgical correction of rectal prolapse and uterine prolapse may be done at the same time under local anesthesia with the support of sedation. Performance of these operations by experienced and trained pelvic reconstructive surgeons may be advocated.

Pruritus ani: etiology and management

Pruritus ani is a dermatologic condition characterized by an unpleasant itching or burning sensation in the perianal region. This article briefly discusses the incidence and classification of pruritus ani followed by a more lengthy discussion of primary and secondary pruritus ani. The important points are summarized and a simple algorithm is provided for the clinical management of pruritus ani.

[Prospective study to evaluate diagnostic accuracy in benign anal diseases in primary care]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the diagnostic performance of the primary care (PC) doctor in benign anal diseases.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study including patients referred to our clinic from PC with the diagnosis of clinical conditions pertaining to benign anal diseases between 1st June and 31st December 2007. The diagnosis established by the PC doctor was compared with that of 2 medical specialists in general and digestive diseases surgery.

SETTING

Department of General Surgery and Digestive Diseases. Castellon General Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients diagnosed with a benign anal disease in PC and referred to our department.

MEASUREMENTS

The sensitivity, specificity and kappa index was calculated for each disease.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients were included. The diagnoses were: 65 haemorrhoids, 13 fissures, 8 fistulas, 7 abscesses, 4 pilonidal cysts, and 8 other diagnoses. A physical examination was carried out on 61 patients and 19 had a rectal examination. In AE, 44 haemorrhoids, 20 fissures, 9 pilonidal cysts were diagnosed and there were 16 other diagnoses. For haemorrhoids the sensitivity was 90.9%, the specificity 59%, and the kappa index was 0.5. For a fistula, it was 43.8%, 98.9% and 0.5, respectively and for a fissure, 15%, 88.2% and 0.04. The physical examination improved all these results.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic performance of benign anal diseases in PC is insufficient. A good physical examination and improved training in these diseases could possibly improve these results.

Treatment of perianal fistula and abscess: Crohn’s and non-Crohn’s

The management of perianal abscesses and fistulas is relatively straightforward in most cases and based on a sound knowledge of the anatomy of the anorectum and adherence to established medical and surgical principles. Asymptomatic fistulas should not be treated, whereas abscesses require surgical drainage under general anesthesia. Fistula treatment includes drainage of any associated sepsis and eradication of the fistula track to prevent recurrence while preserving sphincter integrity. A small percentage of anal abscesses and fistulas are complex and very challenging to manage, particularly in conditions such as rectovaginal fistulas and abscesses and/or fistulas complicating Crohn's disease. Treatment strategies in these situations rely on an accurate clinical assessment of the degree of rectal inflammation and perianal pathology. Treatment should combine aggressive medical therapy (antibiotics, immunomodulators, and anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody treatment) and minimal surgical interventions. Patients with proctitis have a significantly lower healing rate and a significantly higher complication rate with aggressive surgical interventions.

Neoplasia intraepitelial anal

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for anal condylomata, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and anal squamous cell carcinoma. AIN is a premalignant condition that can progress to invasive carcinoma through different grades of severity of the disease called AIN I, AIN II and AIN III. This paper looks at the current definition, diagnostic methods and management of AIN. The incidence of AIN has increased significantly in the last decades. The groups at risk are mainly patients with infection with human immunodeficiency virus, immunossuppressed patients and patients affected by HPV related diseases (e.g., cervical cancer or anal condyloma). Accurate diagnosis of AIN lesions consists of accurate grading and disease extension. Low grade AIN (AIN I) or in extensive lesions, follow-up is advised to determine the possible evolution to anal squamous cell carcinoma. In cases of more severe and localized lesions (AIN II and AIN III), surgical resection should be considered if the predictive postoperative morbidity is low. Screening programs for AIN are not currently in place and there might be much effort to study the management of HPV in these patients.