Anorectal symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective cohort study

Body image and pelvic floor dysfunction in pregnancy and postpartum: A prospective one-year follow-up cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) among pregnant women, their clustering and their association with body image disturbance (BID) up to 1 year postpartum.

DESIGN

Monocentric prospective cohort study.

SETTING

University Hospitals Leuven.

POPULATION

Pregnant women attending for pregnancy care, first assessed prior to 14 weeks of gestation and agreeing to follow-up until 1 year postpartum.

METHODS

Standardised questionnaires reporting on PFD and BID at 12-14 and 28-32 weeks of gestation, and again at 6-8 weeks and 1 year postpartum. We calculated the prevalence of PFD, how the cases clustered and how the cases correlated with BID using a linear mixed-model analysis. A minimum of 174 women with complete follow-up were required.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The questionnaires used were the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), St. Mark's Incontinence Score (SMIS), Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire IUGA Revised (PISQ-IR) and the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ).

RESULTS

Out of 208 women, 92.8% reported one or multiple symptoms of PFD at 28-32 weeks of gestation, dropping to 73.6% by 1 year postpartum. The most common symptoms were constipation (65.3% at 28-32 weeks of gestation and 42.8% at 1 year postpartum) and urinary incontinence (56.8% at 28-32 weeks of gestation and 35.1% at 1 year postpartum). After correcting for body mass index, parity and mode of delivery, the severity of BID was associated with the ICIQ-UI SF score (β = 0.016, range 0.007-0.024), the PAC-SYM score (β = 0.006, range 0.002-0.011) and the POPDI score (β = 0.009, range 0.005-0.012), but not with the SMIS score (β = 0.015, range -0.001 to 0.031) or the PISQ-IR score, in sexually active women.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence, constipation and symptoms of prolapse have a measurable impact on BID.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Perianal Pathology during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of perianal pathology during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in three institutions in Lithuania. A total of 190 patients were examined and interviewed three times (<12, 18-20 weeks of gestation, and during the first 2 months after delivery). They completed a questionnaire including demographic, obstetric, coloproctological, and birth data.

RESULTS

A total of 73 (34.59%) women developed hemorrhoidal disease after delivery, and 120 (56.87%) developed perianal pathology. Multivariate analysis identified a neonatal birth weight ≥3380 g (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.83-9.71, p < 0.001) and consumption of eggs (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.13-8.53, p = 0.028) or cereals (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.32-6.25, p = 0.008) several times per week as significant risk factors for hemorrhoidal disease. Neonatal birth weight ≥3380 g (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.47-10.59, p = 0.006), maternal BMI ≥ 21.48 (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.51-8.47, p = 0.004), the duration of the second labor period ≥38 min (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.09-7.23, p = 0.032), and consumption of flour products several times per week (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.10-6.98, p = 0.030) were associated with a higher risk of perianal pathology. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.15-0.81, p = 0.014) and less frequent consumption of eggs were protective factors (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.56, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Perianal diseases, especially hemorrhoidal disease, are common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A neonatal birth weight ≥ 3380 g, a maternal BMI of ≥21.48, duration of the second labor period of ≥38 min, and consumption of flour products and cereals several times a week are risk factors for developing these diseases.

Belgian consensus guideline on the management of anal fissures

Introduction

Acute and chronic anal fissures are common proctological problems that lead to relatively high morbidity and frequent contacts with health care professionals. Multiple treatment options, both topical and surgical, are available, therefore evidence-based guidance is preferred.

Methods

A Delphi consensus process was used to review the literature and create relevant statements on the treatment of anal fissures. These statements were discussed and modulated until sufficient agreement was reached. These guidelines were based on the published literature up to January 2023.

Results

Anal fissures occur equally in both sexes, mostly between the second and fourth decades of life. Diagnosis can be made based on cardinal symptoms and clinical examination. In case of insufficient relief with conservative treatment options, pharmacological sphincter relaxation is preferred. After 6-8 weeks of topical treatment, surgical options can be explored. Both lateral internal sphincterotomy as well as fissurectomy are well-established surgical techniques, both with specific benefits and risks.

Conclusions

The current guidelines for the management of anal fissures include recommendations for the clinical evaluation of anal fissures, and their conservative, topical and surgical management.

Anal disorders in pregnant and postpartum women: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in 10 maternities of Bamako in Mali

Bowel transit disturbances favored by pregnancy and injuries during childbirth would be triggering or aggravating factors for anal pathologies. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of anal pathologies during pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. We carried out a prospective, multi-centric, and analytical study in 10 obstetric units in Bamako from June 1st, 2019, to May 31st, 2020. After informed consent, we enrolled all first-trimester pregnant women admitted to the hospitals and who were followed up through the postpartum. We conducted a rectal examination in each participant and an anoscope in those with an anal symptom. Hemorrhoidal diseases were diagnosed in the case of external hemorrhoids (thrombosis or prolapse) or internal hemorrhoids. During the study period, we followed up 1,422 pregnant women and we found 38.4% (546) with anal pathologies (hemorrhoidal diseases in 13% (192), anal fissure in 10.5% (150) and anal incontinence in 8.6% (123). Risk factors for the hemorrhoidal disease were age of patient ≥30 years old aRR=5.77, 95% CI 4.57-7.34; p=0.000; a existence of chronic constipation aRR=2.61, 95% CI 1.98-3.44; p=0.000; newborn weight >3500 g aRR= 1.61, 95% CI 1.25-2.07; p=0.000 and fetal expulsion time >20 minutes aRR= 6.04, 95% CI 5.07-7.27; p=0.000. The clinical signs observed were constipation, anal pain, bleeding, and pruritus. The treatment was based on counseling on hygiene and diet, the use of laxatives, local topicals, and analgesics along perineal rehabilitation. Anal pathologies were common during pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. Pregnant women must be screened systematically for such pathologies. Early diagnostic and appropriate treatment would reduce serious complications.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan

Background: Hemorrhoids, a gastrointestinal tract disorder, are common during pregnancy. However, large-scale epidemiological studies on hemorrhoids during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, this study used analyzed data from a nationwide population-based database to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of hemorrhoids in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: This retrospective population-based study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database and Taiwan Birth Certificate Application to collect the medical records of women who were pregnant at any time during 2009-2018. Hemorrhoids was defined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) (455. X) and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) (K64.X, O22.4X) with related treatment. Results: We enrolled 1,608,804 deliveries in 1,070,708 women. The proportion of hemorrhoids increased with age in both primipara and multipara women. Of the pregnant women, 31% received oral medication, and 93.2% used the topical ointment to treat their hemorrhoids. Few patients (1.8%) required procedure or surgery during pregnancy, and 41.4% of those patients underwent procedure or surgery in their first trimester. The cumulative incidence of hemorrhoids during pregnancy was significantly higher in women with a history of hemorrhoids and those with multifetal pregnancies. No significant difference in the incidence of hemorrhoids was observed between multiparous and primiparous women. Conclusion: Women with a history of hemorrhoids or those carrying multiple fetuses had an increased risk of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The most commonly used treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy was topical ointments, with only a small proportion (1.8%) of patients requiring procedure or surgery.

Clinical advances: pregnancy in gastroenterologic and hepatic conditions

The fields of gastroenterology and hepatology, along with endoscopic practice, have seen significant changes and innovations to practice in just the past few years. These practice changes are not limited to gastroenterology, but maternal fetal medicine and the care of the pregnant person have become increasingly more sophisticated as well. Gastroenterologists are frequently called on to provide consultative input and/or perform endoscopy during pregnancy. To be able to provide the best possible care to these patients, gastroenterologists need to be aware of (and familiar with) the various nuances and caveats related to the care of pregnant patients who either have underlying gastrointestinal (GI) conditions or present with GI and liver disorders. Here, we offer a clinical update with references more recent than 2018, along with a few words about SARS-CoV-2 infection and its relevance to pregnancy.

Preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial

Background

To compare specific dietary and behavioral recommendations for hemorrhoids prevention during pregnancy.

Methods

This was a randomized, single-blind, multicenter trial conducted in three different clinical centers. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups in a ratio of 1:1. Intervention consisted of specific dietary and behavioral counseling. The primary outcome of this study was the rate of hemorrhoids at the time of discharge from the obstetrics unit. Categorical variables were compared by the Chi-Squared or Fisher exact tests, as appropriate. Continuous variables were compared using either the Student's t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of hemorrhoids after delivery. This analysis was performed on factors with a p-value < 0.10 in univariate analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 23.0 and GraphPad Prism 9 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant for all tests.

Results

We observed a significantly lower hemorrhoids rate in the intervention group at the time of discharge from the obstetrics unit after delivery (intention-to-treat (ITT) (the relative risk (RR) 0.38; 95% the confidence interval (CI) 0.24–0.59; p < 0.001) per-protocol (PP) (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27–0.64; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in spontaneous miscarriage rate between the groups for both ITT and PP analysis. Additional binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the intervention applied in this study was the only protective factor. Both, the history of hemorrhoids before pregnancy and the increase of newborn height was associated with a higher risk of hemorrhoids.

Conclusions

Our suggested intervention, aimed to modify dietary and behavioral habits, significantly reduces the rate of hemorrhoids after pregnancy and can be safely recommended to pregnant women.

Trial registration

Date of registration: 2016–05-09; Date of initial patient enrollment: 2016–06-02; Trial registration number: 158200–16-843–357; Trial registration site URL: https://www.mf.vu.lt/mokslas/vilniaus-regioninis-biomedicininiu-39tyrimu-etikos-komitetas#isduoti40vrbtek-leidimai. 

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04688-x.

Evaluation and management of rectal bleeding in pregnancy

Rectal bleeding occurs in about 40% of pregnant women, and is predominantly attributed to benign perianal pathology (haemorrhoids or anal fissures). More sinister causes of rectal bleeding may be heralded by key red flag clinical and biochemical features. These features should be evaluated in all women with rectal bleeding. Imaging investigations or flexible sigmoidoscopy may be warranted. The latter can be performed safely by experienced operators in pregnant women. Women with evidence of haemodynamic compromise, elevated inflammatory markers, significant anaemia, signs of intestinal obstruction or compromise to the fetus should be evaluated urgently. Providers must be mindful of the changes in normal ranges for common haematological and biochemical parameters in pregnancy compared with the non-pregnant state. Faecal calprotectin is an established tool for identification of intestinal inflammation and is valid in pregnancy. An elevated faecal calprotectin level (≥ 50 µg/g) signifies a need for further diagnostic evaluation. Inflammatory bowel disease may present initially, or with worsening disease activity, in pregnancy. Expedient diagnosis with the use of faecal calprotectin, sigmoidoscopy with or without intestinal ultrasound, exclusion of alternative or compounding infective aetiologies, and institution of appropriate therapy are critical. Medical therapies for management of inflammatory bowel disease can be safely instituted in pregnancy. Colorectal cancer incidence is increasing in younger age groups, but fortunately remains rare. When diagnosed in pregnancy, colorectal cancer can be successfully and safely managed with a collaborative multidisciplinary team approach. Early diagnosis is key to optimising outcomes.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in pregnancy: Differential diagnosis, assessment and management

Rectal bleeding is a common symptom experienced by pregnant women. Although the majority of cases are attributable to benign conditions such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures, other more serious diagnoses such as inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy should not be overlooked. Most investigations are safe during pregnancy and these should not be withheld as significant implications on both fetal and maternal morbidity may result. In these cases, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential. This review explores the differential diagnosis, investigation and management of rectal bleeding during pregnancy.

The Legacy of Pregnancy: Elite Athletes and Women in Arduous Occupations

ABSTRACT

Best-practice guidance and management of pregnant and postpartum elite athletes and women in arduous occupations is limited by the lack of high-quality evidence available within these populations. We have summarised the adaptations and implications of pregnancy and childbirth; proposed a novel integrative concept to address these changes; and made recommendations to progress research in this area.

Influence of Bowel Habit and Hormonal Changes on the Development of Hemorrhoidal Disease During Pregnancy and the Postdelivery Period: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoidal disease in women during pregnancy is common in clinical practice. However, prospective data on its real prevalence and women's demographics are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease during pregnancy and to assess its impact on quality of life. In addition, this study aimed to identify the relationship between patients' characteristics, bowel habits, hormonal changes, and the presence of symptomatic hemorrhoids.

DESIGN

This is a prospective longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in the Obstetrics Department for pregnancy follow-up.

PATIENTS

The patients evaluated were a cohort of pregnant women.

INTERVENTION

The study was designed to follow a homogeneous cohort of women for 15 months. Visits took place in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, and 3 and 6 months after delivery. Women's demographics (age, medical history, bowel habit, Bristol stool scale) and serum determination of pregnancy-related hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin) were determined.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the development of hemorrhoidal disease.

RESULTS

Overall, 109 women (mean age, 31.2 ± 5.4 years) were included in the study. The prevalence of symptoms and physical findings of hemorrhoidal disease was present in 11% in the first trimester, 23% in the third trimester, 36.2% at 1 month after delivery, and 16.9% at 3 months after delivery. A medical history of hemorrhoidal disease was significantly associated with the diagnosis of hemorrhoids in the first trimester (p < 0.0001) and third trimester (p = 0.005). Symptoms of constipation were associated with this clinical disorder in the first trimester (p = 0.011) and the third trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.022). No association was found between hormonal changes and the development of hemorrhoidal disease.

LIMITATIONS

A larger sample would provide more information.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of women with hemorrhoidal disease increases during pregnancy and after delivery. A history of hemorrhoidal disease and constipation is significantly associated with the diagnosis of symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B504.

INFLUENCIA DEL HBITO INTESTINAL Y LOS CAMBIOS HORMONALES EN EL DESARROLLO DE LA ENFERMEDAD HEMORROIDAL DURANTE EL EMBARAZO Y EL PERODO POSTERIOR AL PARTO UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE PROSPECTIVO

ANTECEDENTES:La enfermedad hemorroidal en mujeres durante el embarazo es común en la práctica clínica. Sin embargo, hay escasos datos prospectivos sobre su prevalencia real y la demografía de las mujeres.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de enfermedad hemorroidal durante el embarazo y evaluar su impacto en la calidad de vida. Además, identificar la relación entre las características de los pacientes, los hábitos intestinales, los cambios hormonales y la presencia de hemorroides sintomáticas.DISEÑO:Estudio prospectivo de cohorte longitudinal.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el Departamento de Obstetricia para el seguimiento del embarazo.PACIENTES:Una cohorte de mujeres embarazadas.INTERVENCIÓN:El estudio se diseñó para realizar un seguimiento de una cohorte homogénea de mujeres durante 15 meses. Las visitas se realizaron en el primer y tercer trimestre del embarazo, y a los 3 y 6 meses después del parto. Se determinaron los datos demográficos de las mujeres (edad, antecedentes médicos, hábito intestinal, escala de heces de Bristol) y la determinación sérica de hormonas relacionadas con el embarazo (estrógeno, progesterona y relaxina).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado principal fue el desarrollo de enfermedad hemorroidal.RESULTADOS:Se incluyó en el estudio a 109 mujeres (edad media, 31,2 ± 5,4 años). La prevalencia de síntomas y hallazgos físicos de enfermedad hemorroidal estuvo presente en 11% en el primer trimestre, 23% en el tercer trimestre, 36,2% 1 mes después del parto y 16,9% 3 meses después del parto. Un historial médico previo de enfermedad hemorroidal se asoció significativamente con el diagnóstico de hemorroides en el primer trimestre (p <0,0001) y tercer trimestre (p = 0,005). Los síntomas de estreñimiento se asociaron con este trastorno clínico en el primer trimestre (p = 0,011) y el tercer trimestre del embarazo (p = 0,022), respectivamente. No se encontró asociación entre los cambios hormonales y el desarrollo de enfermedad hemorroidal.LIMITACIONES:Una muestra más grande proporcionaría más información.CONCLUSIONES:La prevalencia de mujeres con enfermedad hemorroidal aumentó durante el embarazo y el posparto. El antecedente de enfermedad hemorroidal y estreñimiento se asociaron significativamente con el diagnóstico de enfermedad hemorroidal sintomática. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B504.

Obstetric risk factors for anorectal dysfunction after delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pregnancy and childbirth are considered risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction, including anorectal dysfunction. We aimed to assess the effect of obstetric events on anal incontinence and constipation after delivery.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature by searching MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL. We included studies in women after childbirth examining the association between obstetric events and anorectal dysfunction assessed through validated questionnaires. We selected eligible studies and clustered the data according to the type of dysfunction, obstetric event and interval from delivery. We assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and we performed a random-effects meta-analysis and reported the results as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using I² statistics.

RESULTS

Anal sphincter injury (OR: 2.44 [1.92-3.09]) and operative delivery were risk factors for anal incontinence (forceps-OR :1.35 [1.12-1.63]; vacuum-OR: 1.17 [1.04-1.31]). Spontaneous vaginal delivery increased the risk of anal incontinence compared with caesarean section (OR: 1.27 [1.07-1.50]). Maternal obesity (OR:1.48 [1.28-1.72]) and advanced maternal age (OR: 1.56 [1.30-1.88]) were risk factors for anal incontinence. The evidence on incontinence is of low certainty owing to the observational nature of the studies. No evidence was retrieved regarding constipation after delivery because of a lack of standardised validated assessment tools.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides anal sphincter injury, forceps delivery, maternal obesity and advanced age were associated with higher odds of anal incontinence, whereas caesarean section is protective. We could not identify obstetric risk factors for postpartum constipation, as few prospective studies addressed this question and none used a standardised validated questionnaire.

Belgian consensus guideline on the management of hemorrhoidal disease

Introduction

Hemorrhoidal disease is a common problem that arises when hemorrhoidal structures become engorged and/or prolapse through the anal canal. Both conservative and invasive treatment options are diverse and guidance to their implementation is lacking.

Methods

A Delphi consensus process was used to review current literature and draft relevant statements. These were reconciliated until sufficient agreement was reached. The grade of evidence was determined. These guidelines were based on the published literature up to June 2020.

Results

Hemorrhoids are normal structures within the anorectal region. When they become engorged or slide down the anal canal, symptoms can arise. Every treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids should be tailored to patient profile and expectations. For low-grade hemorrhoids, conservative treatment should consist of fiber supplements and can include a short course of venotropics. Instrumental treatment can be added case by case : infrared coagulation or rubber band ligation when prolapse is more prominent. For prolapsing hemorrhoids, surgery can be indicated for refractory cases. Conventional hemorrhoidectomy is the most efficacious intervention for all grades of hemorrhoids and is the only choice for non-reducible prolapsing hemorrhoids.

Conclusions

The current guidelines for the management of hemorrhoidal disease include recommendations for the clinical evaluation of hemorrhoidal disorders, and their conservative, instrumental and surgical management.

Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal constipation - an observational hybrid survey on pregnant and postpartum women and their age-matched non-pregnant controls

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of constipation during pregnancy and early puerperium.

DESIGN

Observational survey.

SETTING

Secondary and tertiary hospital in Finland.

POPULATION

Pregnant (n = 474) and postpartum (n = 403) women and a control group of 200 non-pregnant women who did not give birth in the past year.

METHODS

Women reported bowel function and other gastrointestinal symptoms on a structured questionnaire using an 11-point numerical rating scale (0 = no symptom, 10 = most severe symptom) and binominal yes/no questions during the second and third trimesters and few days and 1 month after childbirth.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Prevalence of constipation based on the Rome IV criteria.

RESULTS

The data consist of five cohorts of women: second trimester (n = 264), third trimester (n = 210), after vaginal delivery (n = 200) or caesarean section (n = 203), and a control group (n = 200). The prevalence of constipation was 40% in pregnant women and 52% (P < 0.001) in postpartum women, which was a higher prevalence than that in the control group, where 21% had constipation (P < 0.001). A few days after delivery, the prevalence of constipation was lower after vaginal delivery (47%) than caesarean section (57%, P < 0.039). One month postpartum, the prevalence of constipation was low: 9% after vaginal delivery (P = 0.002 compared with the control group) and 15% after caesarean section. Other gastrointestinal symptoms were common; pregnant women had the highest prevalence (34%) of nausea/vomiting.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of constipation was two- to three-fold higher in pregnant women and a few days after delivery than in non-pregnant women. During puerperium, bowel function returned to or below that reported in non-pregnant women.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Constipation is common in pregnancy and after delivery, but bowel function returns early in puerperium.

Hemorrhoids Are Associated with Urinary Incontinence

Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anal disorder and are more frequent in women than in men. Urinary incontinence (UI) also occurs more frequently in women than in men. Although both diseases share similar risk factors, research on the association between the two diseases is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hemorrhoids and UI in adult Korean women. Methods: This study was based on the data of the 2008-2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression test was performed to determine the relationship between hemorrhoids and UI after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, heavy drinking, physical activity, education level, income, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Results: Analysis of the data of 8,139 adult women revealed that the prevalence of hemorrhoids, which were self-reported and diagnosed by a physician, was 17.5% and 7.9%, respectively. Both types of hemorrhoids were more prevalent in older women with spouses, those with a large waist circumference, and those with a high BMI. The prevalence of UI was significantly high in the hemorrhoid group, regardless of whether it was self-reported or diagnosed by a physician. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between the prevalence of UI and hemorrhoids, both of which were found to peak at 19-39 years of age. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that hemorrhoids are significantly correlated with UI in adult Korean women. When treating adult women with hemorrhoids, it is, therefore, necessary to consider other pelvic floor diseases such as UI.

Anal fissure management by the gastroenterologist

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Anal fissures are very common. They are easy to diagnose and treat in the office setting. They may coexist with hemorrhoids. In fact 20% of patients with hemorrhoids have anal fissures also. The purpose of this review is to highlight current diagnosis and treatment of anal fissures using diet, ointments and botulinum toxin to enable healing. Medical treatment relies on reducing anal sphincter spasm to allow improved blood flow and healing.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many anorectal disorders can be managed in the office. Most anal fissures can be managed without the need for surgery. The need for anorectal examination, including use of anoscopy is stressed in the current literature. The use of calcium channel blockers in preference to nitroglycerin is highlighted as well as the use of botulinum toxin when ointments don't work.

SUMMARY

Anal fissure can be managed nonsurgically most of the time and gastroenterologists should be able to manage them. This article should help in preventing unnecessary surgery and its complications, mainly incontinence in a small but significant number. The search for more effective drugs and options for managing this disorder continues.