Colorectal Surgery Review for Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Anorectal conditions are one of the most common problems evaluated by primary care physicians. Most patients present with rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or purulent drainage per rectum. Colorectal conditions have overlapping symptoms. Thorough history and careful anorectal examination can differentiate common anorectal conditions like hemorrhoids, anorectal abscesses, anal fistula, anal fissure, and anal condyloma. Most of these conditions can be diagnosed and treated without imaging.

Figure 1

Perianal abscess

Figure 2

LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract) procedure for anal fistula

Figure 3

Thombosed external hemorrhoids

Figure 4

Posterior midline anal fissure

Figure 5

Anal condyloma