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Review
. 2020 Jan-Feb;33(1):9-18.
doi: 10.20524/aog.2019.0438. Epub 2019 Nov 29.

Benign anorectal disease: hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas

Ivy H Gardner  1 , Ragavan V Siddharthan  1 , Vassiliki Liana Tsikitis  1
Affiliations
Review

Benign anorectal disease: hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas

Ivy H Gardner et al. Ann Gastroenterol. 2020 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fistulas are common benign anorectal diseases that have a significant impact on patients' lives. They are primarily encountered by primary care providers, including internists, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, gynecologists, and emergency care providers. Most complex anorectal disease cases are referred to colorectal surgeons. Knowledge of these disease processes is essential for proper treatment and follow up. Hemorrhoids and fissures frequently benefit from non-operative treatment; they may, however, require surgical procedures. The treatment of anorectal abscess and fistulas is mainly surgical. The aim of this review is to examine the etiology, diagnosis, medical, and surgical treatment for these benign anorectal diseases.

Keywords: Hemorrhoids; abscess; benign anorectal disease; fissures; fistula.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Open hemorrhoidectomy. An elliptical incision is made starting at the perianal skin and extending proximally to incorporate the entire hemorrhoidal column. The hemorrhoidal tissue is dissected off the sphincter, visible in the bottom picture
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chronic anal fissure with visible sphincter muscle at base of wound
Figure 3
Figure 3
Fistulotomy. A probe is inserted through the external os to the internal os and the fistulous tract is opened over the probe
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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