What is an anal abscess or fistula?

An anal abscess is an infected cavity filled with pus found near the anus or rectum. Ninety percent of abscesses are the result of an acute infection in the internal glands of the anus. Occasionally, bacteria, fecal material or foreign matter can clog an anal gland and tunnel into the tissue around the anus or rectum, where it may then collect in a cavity called an abscess. Read More

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure (fissure-in-ano) is a small, oval shaped tear in skin that lines the opening of the anus. Fissures typically cause severe pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Fissures are quite common in the general population, but are often confused with other causes of pain and bleeding, such as hemorrhoids.Anal fissures can occur at any age and have equal gender distribution. Most (85-90%) fissures occur in the posterior (back) midline of the anus with about 10-15% occurring in the anterior (front) midline. A small number of patients may actually have fissures in both the front and the back locations. Fissures located elsewhere (off to the side) should raise suspicion for other diseases (see below) and will need to be examined further. Read More

What causes anal pain?

• Fissure, created by stool tearing the anus, which is generally an acute, sharp pain. There may be associated muscle spasm, resulting in prolonged pain over hours.
• Abscess, resulting from a bacterial infection, which may cause fever, night sweats and prolonged, constant pain.
• Fungal infection, which may create prolonged pain that is less severe than an abscess.
• Tumor, such as cancer, which may produce progressively worsening pain.
• Muscle spasm in the pelvis, which can produce a very sharp pain that often resolves quickly.
• Fistula, created by an abnormal tunnel between the rectum and the skin, which can be painful, particularly if it gets blocked by stool and an abscess forms in the tunnel behind the blockage.
• Anal ulcer, a kind of sore or raw area, which may be painful and can represent an infection.
• Rectal STD, such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia or herpes.
• Skin problem, such as psoriasis or dermatitis, which may cause itching or burning.

What are anal warts?

Anal warts (also called “condyloma acuminata”) are a condition that affects the area around and inside the anus. They may also affect the skin of the genital area. They first appear as tiny spots or growths, perhaps as small as the head of a pin, and may grow quite large and cover the entire anal area. Usually, they do not cause pain or discomfort to afflicted individuals and patients may be unaware that the warts are present. Some patients will experience symptoms, such as itching, bleeding, mucus discharge and/or a feeling of a lump or mass in the anal area. Read More

What is incontinence?

Incontinence is the impaired ability to control gas or stool. Its severity ranges from mild difficulty with gas control to severe loss of control over liquid and formed stools. Incontinence to stool is a common problem, but often it is not discussed due to embarassment. Read More

What is colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a safe, effective method of examining the full lining of the colon and rectum, using a long, flexible, tubular instrument. It is used to diagnose colon and rectum problems and to perform biopsies and remove colon polyps. Most colonoscopies are done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort.Read More

Colorectal Diseases

Colon and rectal diseases comprise a broad range of conditions and ailments, the severity of which can vary from mildly irritating to life threatening. Research has demonstrated that early screening and treatment of colon and rectal diseases can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates, yet many patients delay or don’t seek treatment because of lack of knowledge about their disease and its symptoms or the benefits of early treatment, or are too embarrassed to seek help. Read More

Overview

Constipation is a very common complaint affecting upwards of 15% of all Americans. Fortunately, constipation usually is simple to avoid and easy to treat when it occurs. However, symptoms of constipation may be a sign of a more serious problem requiring medical attention. This information was prepared to help patients understand constipation, specifically its symptoms, evaluation and treatment options. It may also be useful to the friends, families, and caregivers of patients dealing with significant constipation. Read More

Overview

Crohn’s disease is an incurable inflammatory process potentially affecting portions of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation always involves the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal wall, but can extend to deeper layers, and even through the bowel wall. Read More

What is diverticular disease?

Diverticular disease is the general name given to the condition that creates small sacs or pouches from the wall of the colon and the complications that can arise from the presence of those sacs. The term diverticulosis refers to simply having diverticula within the colon but without complications or problems from those sacs. The presence of diverticulosis can lead to several different complications such as diverticulitis, perforation, stricture, fistula, and bleeding. Read More

Overview

The purpose of this patient education piece is to provide patients and their families with information on the background, causes, and treatments of fecal incontinence. This is intended for a general audience. Read More

Did you know ?

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments known.More than half the population willdevelop hemorrhoids, usually after age 30.Millions of Americans currently suffer from hemorrhoids.The average person suffers in silence for a long period before seeking medical care.Today’s treatment methods make some types of hemorrhoid removal much less painful. Read More

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that may affect over 15 percent of the population. IBS is one of a range of conditions known as functional gastrointestinal disorders where the bowel may function abnormally, but no structural abnormalities can be found and nothing abnormal is seen on tests. Read More

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” surgery is a specialized technique for performing surgery. In the past, this technique was commonly used for gynecologic surgery and for gall bladder surgery. Over the last 10 years the use of this technique has expanded into intestinal surgery. In traditional “open” surgery the surgeon uses a single incision to enter into the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses several 0.5-1cm incisions. Each incision is called a “port.” At each port a tubular instrument known as a trochar is inserted. Specialized instruments and a special camera known as a laparoscope are passed through the trochars during the procedure.

At the beginning of the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a working and viewing space for the surgeon. The laparoscope transmits images from the abdominal cavity to high-resolution video monitors in the operating room. During the operation the surgeon watches detailed images of the abdomen on the monitor. This system allows the surgeon to perform the same operations as traditional surgery but with smaller incisions. Read More

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgically created opening between an internal organ and the body surface. The opening is called a stoma. Ostomies are often created as a part of intestinal surgery when there must be a new way for wastes to leave the body. Cancer, trauma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bowel obstruction, infection, fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements) and diverticulitis (inflammation of tiny pockets that commonly form in the colon wall) are all possible reasons for ostomy. Read More

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a group of disorders causing problems with storing and evacuating bowel movements and pelvic pain. The symptoms may be severe and even socially disabling, causing patients to fail to seek medical treatment due to embarrassment. It is important for patients to understand that these disorders are quite common, and a thorough, step-wise approach to evaluate their symptoms may offer prompt diagnosis and treatment for what often is a long-standing, frustrating problem. Read More

What is pilonidal disease and what causes it?

Pilonidal disease is a chronic infection of the skin in the region of the buttock crease (Figure 1). The condition results from a reaction to hairs embedded in the skin, commonly occurring in the cleft between the buttocks. The disease is more common in men than women and frequently occurs between puberty and age 40. It is also common in obese people and those with thick, stiff body hair. Read More

Polyps are abnormal growths rising from the lining of the large intestine (colon or rectum) and protruding into the intestinal canal (lumen). Some polyps are flat; others have a stalk.Polyps are one of the most common conditions affecting the colon and rectum, occurring in 15 to 20 percent of the adult population. Although most polyps are benign, the relationship of certain polyps to cancer is well established.Polyps can occur throughout the large intestine or rectum, but are more commonly found in the left colon, sigmoid colon, or rectum. Read More

Overview

Pruritis ani is a common medical problem affecting both men and women. This information was composed to help patients understand pruritis ani, its symptoms, evaluation, and treatment options. This information may also be helpful to individuals or caregivers of patients who are suffering from pruritis ani. Read More

The rectum is the last 6 inches of the large intestine (colon). Rectal cancer arises from the lining of the rectum. In 2012, more than 40,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, making it the third most common cancer in both men and women. About 5% of Americans will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetimes. Colorectal cancer is highly curable if detected in the early stages. Read More

Overview

This patient education piece is designed to help improve patients’understanding regarding rectal prolapse, specifically its presentation, evaluation and treatment. This information may also be useful to the friends, families, and caregivers of patients dealing with rectal prolapse. Read More

What is a Rectocele?

A rectocele is a herniation (bulge) of the front wall of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina. The tissue between the rectum and the vagina is known as the rectovaginal septum and this structure can become thin and weak over time, resulting in a rectocele. When rectoceles are small, most women have no symptoms. A rectocele may be an isolated finding or occur as part of a generalized weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Other pelvic organs such as the bladder (cystocele) and the small intestine (enterocele), can bulge into the vagina, leading to similar symptoms as rectocele. Read More

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the lining of the large bowel (colon and rectum). Symptoms include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and fevers. In addition, patients who have had extensive ulcerative colitis for many years are at an increased risk to develop large bowel cancer. The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. Read More