Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and carcinoma of the colon, rectum, and anus during pregnancy

Abstract

The pregnant patient afflicted with a variety of colorectal conditions merits special consideration for reasons related to the safety and timeliness of operation while preserving fetal viability and fertility. The literature is scanty with respect to hemorrhoids, fissures, and colorectal and anal carcinoma. Therefore, the patient has to have a forthright discussion with her physician(s) about the pros and cons of operative and nonoperative approaches, which can result in either therapeutic abortion and timely surgery versus preserving the fetus and taking on the unknown factor of whether delay in treatment will cause an adverse outcome. This underscores the need for a frank discussion with the patient with regard to anticipated outcomes. In benign conditions, there is more latitude to adopt a conservative approach, as the patient's ability to tolerate the symptoms of her condition would dictate the need for definitive operative therapy. In the patient with malignancy, delaying surgical or radiation therapy carries an unknown risk to the patient. Here, the patient's personal views regarding abortion and future fertility dictate the timing of definitive treatment.