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. 2014 May;10(5):294-301.

Common anorectal disorders

Amy E Foxx-Orenstein  1 , Sarah B Umar  1 , Michael D Crowell  1
Affiliations

Common anorectal disorders

Amy E Foxx-Orenstein et al. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014 May.

Abstract

Anorectal disorders result in many visits to healthcare specialists. These disorders include benign conditions such as hemorrhoids to more serious conditions such as malignancy; thus, it is important for the clinician to be familiar with these disorders as well as know how to conduct an appropriate history and physical examination. This article reviews the most common anorectal disorders, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal incontinence, proctalgia fugax, excessive perineal descent, and pruritus ani, and provides guidelines on comprehensive evaluation and management.

Keywords: Hemorrhoid; anal fissure; excessive perineal descent; fecal incontinence; fistula; proctalgia fugax; pruritus ani; rectoanal abscess.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An illustration of internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids arise from the superior hemor-rhoidal plexus, whereas external hemorrhoids arise from the inferior hemorrhoidal plexus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
An acute anal fissure with the appearance of a fresh laceration.
Figure 3
Figure 3
A chronic anal fissure showing a sentinel pile at the distal end of the fissure.
Figure 4
Figure 4
An illustration showing intersphincteric, transsphincteric, and extrasphincteric fistulae.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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