Anorectal emergencies

Proposal for a new classification of anorectal abscesses based on clinical characteristics and postoperative recurrence

BACKGROUND

Current surgical procedures for anorectal abscesses, including incision and drainage alone or combined concurrent fistulotomy, remain controversial primarily due to the unpredictability of postoperative recurrence or the progression to anal fistula.

AIM

To evaluate factors that predict postoperative recurrence of anorectal abscesses and propose a new classification to guide surgical procedures.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 525 patients with anorectal abscesses treated by incision and drainage alone, at a tertiary general hospital from August 2012 to July 2022, were included. A new classification for anorectal abscesses based on their propensity to develop into fistulas, considering 18 other potential risk factors, was established. These factors, from electronic medical records, were screened for significance using the χ² test and subsequently analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to evaluate their relationship with postoperative recurrence of anorectal abscesses.

RESULTS

One year post-follow-up, the overall recurrence rate was 39%:81.0% and 23.5% for fistula-prone and non-fistula-prone abscesses, respectively. Univariate χ² analysis showed significant differences in recurrence rates based on anatomical classifications and pus culture results (P < 0.05). Fistula-prone abscess, ≥ 7 days between symptom onset and surgery, chronic diarrhea, preoperative antibiotic use, and local anesthesia were risk factors for recurrence, while diabetes mellitus was protective (P < 0.05). Moreover, fistula-prone abscess [odds ratio (OR) = 7.651, 95%CI: 4.049–14.458, P < 0.001], ≥ 7 days from symptom onset to surgery (OR = 2.137, 95%CI: 1.090–4.190, P = 0.027), chronic diarrhea (OR = 2.508, 95%CI: 1.216–5.173, P = 0.013), and local anesthesia (OR = 2.308, 95%CI: 1.313–4.059, P = 0.004) were independent risk factors for postoperative anorectal abscess recurrence using multivariate logistic regression. Body mass index ≥ 28 (OR = 2.935, 95%CI: 1.203–7.165, P = 0.018) was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence of non-fistula-prone abscess.

CONCLUSION

The choice of surgical procedure for treating anorectal abscesses should follow this new classification. Prompt and thorough incision and drainage can significantly reduce postoperative recurrence.

Management of Acute Hemorrhoidal Crisis: Evaluation, Treatment, and Special Considerations

Hemorrhoidal disease is one of most common pathologies seen by colorectal and general surgeons. Although hemorrhoids themselves are a normal anatomic occurrence, development of symptomatic disease, usually due to bleeding, prolapse, or thrombosis, can cause significant patient distress. Acute presentation related to significant thrombosis or bleeding is referred to as acute hemorrhoidal crisis. Management of this pathology varies from nonoperative intervention for symptom control to definitive incisional or excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Here we will explore the approach to evaluating and treating acute hemorrhoidal crises.

Management of Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are two of the most common benign anorectal diseases. Despite their high prevalence, diagnostic accuracy of benign anorectal disease is suboptimal at 70% for surgeons, especially for hemorrhoidal diseases. Once the diagnosis is correctly made, numerous medical and surgical treatment options are available, each with different rates of success and complications. In this article, the authors review each step of patient management, with emphasis on evidence-based treatment options for hemorrhoids and anal fissures. The article discusses the pathophysiology, diagnosis, medical management, and procedures for hemorrhoids followed by a detailed overview on the management of anal fissures.

Manual Reduction of Strangulated Internal Hemorrhoids Using Sugar: A Case Report

Emergency hemorrhoidectomy for strangulated internal hemorrhoids should be avoided when possible. Manual reductions can relieve pain and prevent the need for emergency surgery. Herein, we present a 51-year-old female patient. Over the preceding 20 years, she experienced prolapsed internal hemorrhoids every time she defecated and had been performing manual reductions herself. Due to significant pain and difficulty during the manual reduction of the hemorrhoids, she was transported to the emergency room. Anal inspection revealed prolapsed internal hemorrhoids and partial congestion. After 10 minutes of applying Lidocaine Hydrochloride Jelly 2% and Escherichia coli culture suspension/hydrocortisone ointment, the manual reduction was still difficult. Based on previous reports of using sugar to reduce stomal prolapse, we applied sugar directly to the hemorrhoids. Ten minutes later, the number of prolapsed hemorrhoids decreased, and manual reduction was possible. After one day of hospitalization for bed rest, the patient was discharged once it was confirmed that there was no prolapse of the internal hemorrhoids and that her pain had improved. Two weeks later, a grade III internal hemorrhoid was observed, which had markedly reduced in size compared with the time of admission. Using sugar to reduce strangulated internal hemorrhoids manually can be useful due to its simplicity, minimal invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness.

Complicated anorectal sepsis: Validation of scoring system for predicting anorectal sepsis severity

Anorectal sepsis is a common and potentially serious medical condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the anal canal and surrounding tissues. However, the lack of standardized and comprehensive scoring systems specifically tailored for predicting the severity of anorectal sepsis poses challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to develop and validate a scoring system for predicting the severity of anorectal sepsis by incorporating relevant patient factors. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, a tertiary care center, over a period of 5 years. The study population consisted of 330 patients diagnosed with anorectal sepsis during the study period. A scoring system was developed using multiple variables, with each variable assigned a specific score based on its clinical significance and weight in predicting disease severity. The developed scoring system's predictive performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calculating the area under the ROC curve to assess discriminative ability. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population. Chi-square tests or t tests were performed to assess differences between non-severe and severe anal sepsis groups. The scoring system consisted of 12 variables, with a maximum total score of 18. The logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between localized swelling, presentation within 72 hours, multiple drainage sessions, and severe anorectal sepsis. The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.85, indicating good discriminative ability of the scoring system. The scoring system was developed and validated in a single center, which may limit its generalizability to other settings. The scoring system demonstrated good predictive performance and can be a valuable tool for clinicians in assessing disease severity, guiding treatment decisions, and identifying high-risk patients.

Anorectal Emergencies

Anorectal emergencies are rare presentations of common anorectal disorders, and surgeons are often called on to assist in their diagnosis and management. Although most patients presenting with anorectal emergencies can be managed nonoperatively or with a bedside procedure, surgeons must also be able to identify surgical anorectal emergencies, such as gangrenous rectal prolapse. This article provides a review of pertinent anatomy; examination techniques; and workup, diagnosis, and management of common anorectal emergencies including thrombosed hemorrhoids, incarcerated hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anorectal abscess, rectal prolapse, and pilonidal abscess and unique situations including rectal foreign body and anorectal sexually transmitted infections.

The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of anal fissure

INTRODUCTION

The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia) on the diagnosis and management of anal fissure, with the purpose to guide every physician in the choice of the best treatment option, according with the available literature.

METHODS

A panel of experts was designed and charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key-questions on the main topics covering the management of anal fissure and to performe an accurate search on each topic in different databanks, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in different rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to the PICO criteria, and the statements developed adopting the GRADE methodology.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute anal fissure the medical therapy with dietary and behavioral norms is indicated. In the chronic phase of disease, the conservative treatment with topical 0.3% nifedipine plus 1.5% lidocaine or nitrates may represent the first-line therapy, eventually associated with ointments with film-forming, anti-inflammatory and healing properties such as Propionibacterium extract gel. In case of first-line treatment failure, the surgical strategy (internal sphincterotomy or fissurectomy with flap), may be guided by the clinical findings, eventually supported by endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry.

A modified perineal approach for the management of strangulated rectal prolapse: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Conditions associated with increased intraabdominal pressure may lead to rectal prolapse. Like any pathological herniation, rectal prolapse can strangulate if incarcerated. When a patient presents with signs and symptoms of strangulation, emergent surgical intervention is warranted. This report strives to strengthen existing evidence for the use of an Altemeier-type perineal approach as a viable choice for the management of strangulated rectal prolapse in healthy individuals.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A healthy 70-year-old female presents with worsening rectal pain and an irreducible strangulated rectal prolapse. She is brought to the operating suite for an emergent exploration under anesthesia followed by an Altemeier-type procedure without diverting colostomy. The postoperative course is uneventful, and the patient is discharged on postoperative day three. Upon follow up, the patient reports having normal bowel function, and there is no evidence of recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Rectal prolapse is traditionally managed through either a perineal or transabdominal approach depending on the patient's clinical disposition. Incarcerated prolapse is a precursor to strangulation, and recent case reports have demonstrated the efficacy of the Altemeier procedure (perineal rectosigmoidectomy) to treat strangulated prolapse. Our initial exploration under anesthesia revealed a small section of ischemic rectal mucosa that was proximal to the rectosigmoid junction. As a result, we decided to remain within perineal parameters and perform the resection in an Altemeier-type fashion based on the boundary of ischemia.

CONCLUSION

An Altemeier approach was a reasonable option for emergent surgical management of strangulated rectal prolapse in an otherwise relatively healthy individual. This case has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria (Agha et al. [1]).

Safety and efficacy of topical drug-free cream in subjects with hemorrhoidal disease: a randomized, double blind, clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is one of the most common anorectal benign disorder affecting millions of people around the world. Grade I-II HD are generally treated with a conservative approach with topical products such as creams and ointments considered a safe and effective option to treat mild symptoms. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a topical medical device (Lenoid^™; International Health Science [IHS] - Biofarma Group, Mereto di Tomba, Udine, Italy) in patients affected by symptomatic HD.

METHODS

This study is a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 2-weeks clinical trial. Patients affected by I-II grade symptomatic HD were enrolled in the study and then randomly assigned to Lenoid^™ arm (LA) or placebo arm (PA), respectively. Patients were evaluated before and after intervention through clinical examination and disease-specific questionnaires assessing symptoms such as pain, tenesmus, pruritus and anal discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients were screened and 60 (30 in each group) were enrolled into the study. All patients belonging to LA showed a statistically significant improvement of each symptom after 7 and 14 days of treatment when compared to PA (P<0.001). Furthermore, subjective improvement of change in overall assessment of disease was observed in the LA but not in the PA. No serious adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested product was found safe and effective in improving clinical signs and symptoms in patients with grade I-II HD.

Management and Treatment of External Hemorrhoidal Thrombosis

Background

External hemorrhoidal thrombosis (EHT) is a common complication of hemorrhoidal disease. This condition causes extreme pain, likely resulting from internal anal sphincter hypertonicity, which traps the hemorrhoids below the dentate line thus leading to congestion and swelling. The choice of treatment remains controversial and both conservative and surgical options have been proposed in the last decades.

Methods

This mini-review focuses on the most relevant studies found in literature evaluating conservative and surgical management of EHT. Special conditions such as pregnancy and EHT in elderly patients have been considered.

Results

Traditionally, symptoms duration represents the discriminant in the choice between medical and surgical treatment. Several Coloproctological Societies considered conservative treatment as the first-line approach to EHT and a variety of options have been proposed: wait and see, mixture of flavonoids, mix of lidocaine and nifedipine, botulinum toxin injection and topical application of 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate. Meanwhile, different surgical treatments are recommended when EHT fails to respond to conservative management or when symptoms onset falls within the last 48–72 h: drainage with radial incision, conventional excision, excision under local anesthesia and stapled technique.

Conclusion

The management and treatment of EHT is still controversial since no specific guidelines have been published. Both medical and surgical treatment have been proven effective but randomized clinical trials and structured consensus-based guidelines are warranted.

A Pain in the Butt: Hemorrhoids, Fissures, Fistulas, and Other Anorectal Syndromes

Painful and bothersome anorectal syndromes can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians because structural and functional abnormalities may often coexist and require a multidisciplinary approach to management. Although it is often difficult to attribute all of a patient's anorectal symptoms to a singular disorder with definitive intervention and cure, improving quality of life, treating coexistent conditions such as functional constipation and/or defecation disorders, addressing psychological comorbidities if present, and confirming there is no evidence of inflammatory or malignant conditions are top priorities.

Combination of Percutaneous Transhepatic Balloon-Assisted Transjugular Intrahepatic Collateral Caval Shunt and Embolization for Successful Hemostasis of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Associated With Extremely Enlarged Anorectal Varicose Veins

Ectopic varices may frequently occur in the rectum in the context of portal hypertension. Although rectal variceal bleeding is not a frequent bleeding situation, it can be life-threatening unless diagnosed and treated immediately. However, there is no specific treatment strategy established so far. We report a case of a man with extrahepatic portal hypertension and severe hematochezia due to rectal variceal bleeding. The patient was diagnosed in the past with portal vein thrombosis, in the context of myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap syndrome, with ectopic varices in the small intestine, colon, rectum and anal canal, peritoneum and perisplenic veins, treated with mesorenal shunt placement and an oral beta-blocker. After the initial stabilization with fluid replacement and red blood cell transfusion, he underwent endoscopic injection sclerotherapy, with no effect on bleeding episodes, while the large size of the varices precluded the option of endoscopic band ligation. Due to the presence of large collateral veins next to the inferior vena cava, the patient underwent combination therapy with Percutaneous Transhepatic Balloon-Assisted Transjugular Intrahepatic Collateral Caval shunt placement, to decompress portal pressure, followed by angiographic embolization of the feeding vessels resulting in successful hemostasis. Hematochezia ceased, hemoglobin was stabilized and the patient was safely discharged from the hospital. Controlling and treating rectal varices can be a challenging task indicating the need of a multidisciplinary approach. In the absence of well-established treatment guidelines for rectal varices, we highly recommend treatment of refractory ectopic variceal bleeding, non-responsive to endoscopic treatments, with portocaval shunt placement in combination with embolization.

Multiple Secondary Healthcare-Associated Infections Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms in a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient on Extensively Prolonged Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support-A Case Report

Patients with severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at high risk for secondary infection with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Secondary infections contribute to a more severe clinical course and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays in patients with COVID-19. A man in his 60s was admitted to the ICU at a university hospital for severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. His respiratory condition worsened further due to persistent bacteremia caused by imipenem-non-susceptible Klebsiella aerogenes and he required VV-ECMO. Subsequently, he developed a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) due to Candida albicans, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP), and a perianal abscess due to carbapenem-resistant K. aerogenes despite infection control procedures that maximized contact precautions and the absence of MDRO contamination in the patient’s room environment. He was decannulated from VV-ECMO after a total of 72 days of ECMO support, and was eventually weaned off ventilator support and discharged from the ICU on day 138. This case highlights the challenges of preventing, diagnosing, and treating multidrug-resistant organisms and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the critical care management of severe COVID-19. In addition to the stringent implementation of infection prevention measures, a high index of suspicion and a careful evaluation of HAIs are required in such patients.

Proctologic emergency consultation during COVID-19: Comparative cross-sectional cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Proctologic issues entail a frequent reason for consultation in the emergency department (ED). We aim to analyze how the SARS-COV-2 pandemic has impacted in the demand for proctological consultations.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Descriptive comparative retrospective study of cross-sectional cohorts of patients attending the ED for proctological complaints from March to April in 2020 and 2019. Demographic variables, comorbidities, reasons for consultation and diagnosis, treatment and readmission were included. Four periods were analyzed according to the different stages of the pandemic derived limitations.

RESULTS

A total of 191 patients were reviewed, 58 in 2020 and 133 in 2019 with an average age of 48 years (SD 20.1) and 112 (58.6%) males. The average number of daily consultations was 2.18 patients in 2019 versus 0.95 in 2020 (p=0.025) meaning a 56% reduction in consultations for proctological reasons. This difference in average consultations was significant in both periods of lockout (p=0.001) and previous de-escalation (p=0.014). The diagnosis distribution was similar between both periods; however, perianal abscesses doubled their rate in 2020, 22.4% versus 11.3% (p=0.045). There was an increasing need for surgery, 31% vs 15% (p=0.011) with no difference in outpatients regimen after emergency surgery (12.5% vs 7.5%, p=0.201). Three patients in 2020 required readmission to the ED (5.2% vs 12.9%, p=0.086).

CONCLUSION

There was a decrease of a 56% in proctologic emergency consultation, however, the need for surgery was twice more frequent during the study period. Reflection on the use of emergencies for proctological reasons is warranted.

Insights into the management of anorectal disease in the coronavirus 2019 disease era

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has created major impacts on public health. The virus has plagued a large population requiring hospitalization and resource utilization. Knowledge about the COVID-19 virus continues to grow. It can commonly present with gastrointestinal symptoms; initially, this was considered an atypical presentation, which led to delays in care. The pandemic has posed serious threats to the care of anorectal diseases. Urgent surgeries have been delayed, and the care of cancer patients and cancer screenings disrupted. This had added to patient discomfort and the adverse outcomes on healthcare will continue into the future. The better availability of personal protective equipment to providers and standard checklist protocols in operating rooms can help minimize healthcare-related spread of the virus. Telehealth, outpatient procedures, and biochemical tumor marker tests can help with mitigation of anorectal-disease-related problems. There is limited literature about the clinical management of anorectal diseases during the pandemic. We performed a detailed literature review to guide clinicians around management options for anorectal disease patients. We also highlighted the health challenges seen during the pandemic.

Colonoscopic Diagnosis of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Hirschsprung's Disease

Aim: Postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children with Hirschsprung's Disease (HSCR) is a non-specific symptom, which may be caused by various etiologies. Our current study aims to utilize colonoscopy to diagnose the causes of postoperative hematochezia and to analyze its feasibility, accuracy, and safety. Methods: Twenty-four patients with HSCR with postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding or occult blood in the stool were enrolled in this study. The postoperative onset duration, age at examination, accompanied anomalies were recorded. After bowel preparation, all patients underwent colonoscopy. According to visual findings, mucosal biopsy was performed, followed by pathological diagnosis. Further treatment was determined according to the visual findings and pathological diagnosis. All patients were followed up for 6 months including therapeutic outcomes and recurrence of symptoms. Results: The mean onset duration was (221.3 ± 216.8) days postoperatively (ranging from 25 to 768 days). The mean age at examination was (41.0 ± 29.4) months. There was no significant difference in the onset days among each group (all, p > 0.05). Based on visual and pathological findings, there were 11 cases of HSCR associated enterocolitis (HAEC), 4 cases of anastomotic leakage, 7 cases of anastomotic inflammation, 1 case of juvenile polyp, and 1 case of inflammatory pseudopolyp. Intraluminal saline irrigation, thrombin treatment or colorectal polyp electrocision was performed according to intraoperative diagnosis. Patients with HEAC and anastomotic inflammation underwent antibiotics therapy and colorectal irrigation. Patients with leakage underwent reoperation. The highest incidence of accompanied symptoms of diarrhea existed in HEAC group (p = 0.02) and fever in leakage group (p = 0.02), respectively. No perforation or aggravated bleeding occurs in any patients. All patients gained uneventful recovery during follow-up period. Conclusions: Colonoscopy is a safe, accurate and timely examination for HSCR patients with postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The visual findings and biopsy may provide accurate diagnosis and guide treatment for this subset of patients.

Superficial anorectal abscess resembling a lipoma: A case report

Perianal abscesses exist in various forms depending on the location. Clinical examination and endorectal ultrasound (EUS) may be useful for the diagnosis of anal tumor.

Proctologic emergency consultation during COVID-19: Comparative cross-sectional cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Proctologic issues entail a frequent reason for consultation in the emergency department (ED). We aim to analyze how the SARS-COV-2 pandemic has impacted in the demand for proctological consultations.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Descriptive comparative retrospective study of cross-sectional cohorts of patients attending the ED for proctological complaints from March to April in 2020 and 2019. Demographic variables, comorbidities, reasons for consultation and diagnosis, treatment and readmission were included. Four periods were analyzed according to the different stages of the pandemic derived limitations.

RESULTS

A total of 191 patients were reviewed, 58 in 2020 and 133 in 2019 with an average age of 48 years (SD 20.1) and 112 (58.6%) males. The average number of daily consultations was 2.18 patients in 2019 versus 0.95 in 2020 (p=0.025) meaning a 56% reduction in consultations for proctological reasons. This difference in average consultations was significant in both periods of lockout (p=0.001) and previous de-escalation (p=0.014). The diagnosis distribution was similar between both periods; however, perianal abscesses doubled their rate in 2020, 22.4% versus 11.3% (p=0.045). There was an increasing need for surgery, 31% vs 15% (p=0.011) with no difference in outpatients regimen after emergency surgery (12.5% vs 7.5%, p=0.201). Three patients in 2020 required readmission to the ED (5.2% vs 12.9%, p=0.086).

CONCLUSION

There was a decrease of a 56% in proctologic emergency consultation, however, the need for surgery was twice more frequent during the study period. Reflection on the use of emergencies for proctological reasons is warranted.

Consensus statement of the Italian society of colorectal surgery (SICCR): management and treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common proctological disease in the Western countries. However, its real prevalence is underestimated due to the frequent self-medication.The aim of this consensus statement is to provide evidence-based data to allow an individualized and appropriate management and treatment of HD. The strategy used to search for evidence was based on application of electronic sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Review Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE.These guidelines are inclusive and not prescriptive.The recommendations were defined and graded based on the current levels of evidence and in accordance with the criteria adopted by American College of Chest Physicians. The recommendations were graded A, B, and C.

Video anoscopy: results of routine anal examination during colonoscopies

Background and study aims  Anal examination and video anoscopy (VA) are rarely performed during colonoscopies. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that anal examination and VA provide important information in all routine colonoscopies. Patients and methods  A cross-sectional study was conducted on 12,151 patients screened by VA which were performed during routine outpatient colonoscopy between 2006 and 2018. The aspects studied were: normal examination; hemorrhoidal disease; thrombosed hemorrhoids; anal fissure; perianal Crohn's Disease; perianal fistula; condyloma; polyps; neoplasms; stenosis; bleeding. Results  Of the colonoscopies performed on 12,151 patients, 9,364 cases (77.06 %) presented some alterations. Internal I degree hemorrhoids (5911 - 48.65 %); internal hemorrhoids of II, III and IV degrees (2362 - 19.44 %); thrombosed hemorrhoids (120 - 0.99 %); bleeding (56 - 0.46 %); fissure (415 - 3.42 %); perianal fistula (42 - 0.35 %); perianal Crohn's Disease (34 - 0.28 %); condylomas (18 - 0.15 %); anal stenosis (30 - 0.25 %); other findings (310 - 2.55 %); polyps (62 - 0.51 %), one of which was adenomatous with high-grade dysplasia; four cases of anal canal neoplasia (0.03 %): two cases of squamous cell carcinoma and two cases of adenocarcinoma. Conclusion  The association of routine video anoscopy during colonoscopy improved diagnosis of neoplastic anal lesions, allowed correct classification of the degree of hemorrhoidal disease, helped to confirm the bleeding site and detected other anal pathologies. The main findings were hemorrhoidal diseases, fissures and perianal fistulas. The study suggests that VA should be used in all colonoscopies.

External hemorrhoidal thrombosis in the elderly patients: conservative and surgical management

BACKGROUND

External hemorrhoidal thrombosis is a common disease with an acute anal pain as the major symptom. It is astonishing the lack of studies which investigates the most effective treatment and there are not guidelines. Furthermore, nobody has ever evaluated this peculiar condition in an elderly population.

METHODS

We have considered 87 patients aged >75 years who were visited and treated for this condition in our clinic, dividing them in three groups according the curative option chosen together with them after anamnesis and an interview: a conservative medical treatment (Group A), an immediate incision and evacuation of the thrombus (Group B) and the excision of hemorrhoid with the thrombus, with hemorrhoidectomy technique (Group C). The mean follow-up was 12.3 months. We analyzed immediate pain relief and time of remission of symptoms, bleeding, recurrences and major complications.

RESULTS

The Group A presented a remission of symptoms in 11.8 days, Group B in 1.58 ad Group C in 7.8 days. The recurrence rate was very similar for the first two options (19.4% and 16.1%) and lower in the excision group (no recurrence during follow-up). Bleeding is the common adverse event observed with a high frequency in the immediate incision and evacuation of thrombus, less common in hemorrhoidectomy, that did not present major complication. Surgical option is often refused by elderly patient evaluating comorbidities in the fear of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical treatment for EHT in elderly is safe and effective, but not the most common choice for fear of complications. Medical treatment or immediate incision of thrombus can be preferred and well accepted by elderly even if followed by a higher rate of recurrences.