Anorectal disorders requiring surgical treatment in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of anorectal disorders requiring surgical treatment has not been previously documented in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Aim: To find out which of the anorectal disorders were most commonly managed surgically in the UPTH from January 1 1998 to December 31 2002.

Methods: The case notes and theatre records of all anorectal conditions treated surgically were studied retrospectively. They were analysed with respect to age, sex, type of lesion, duration of pathology before surgery, surgical treatment performed, hospital stay, complications and outcome.

Results: Seventy patients were so treated. Males outnumbered females in a ratio of 1.2:1. The commonest age groups treated were in the first, third and fourth decades of life. The commonest conditions treated were haemorrhoid, fissure-in-ano, imperforate anus and fistula-in-ano. Apart from imperforate anus cases, the mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 18 1/2 months. Open haemorrhoidectomy, lateral internal sphincterotomy and fistulotomy/fistulectomy were themain procedures performed. The procedures for imperforate anus varied from simple serial anal dilatation to perineal pull through operations. Main complication encountered was post hemorrhoidectomy anal stenosis. The mean hospital stay was 16.9 days. Mortality rate was 1.4%.

Conclusion: Haemorrhoid, fissure-in-ano, imperforate anus and fistula-in-ano were the commonest conditions treated surgically in UPTH over the 5 year period.