Gastroenterology
Anorectal Disorders
Gastroenterology

Anorectal Disorders

Fissure, hemorrhoids, abscess, fecal impaction.

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Anal fissure

  • Severe pain with defecation + BRBPR on TP
  • Posterior midline most common
  • Atypical location: consider Crohn, HIV, malignancy
  • Conservative: fiber, hydration, sitz baths, topical CCB (nifedipine) or nitroglycerin
  • Botulinum or sphincterotomy if chronic

Internal hemorrhoids

  • Painless BRBPR during/after BM (above pectinate line, visceral innervation)
  • Conservative: high-fiber + fluids + sitz baths + topical care
  • Persistent → rubber band ligation
  • Refractory/grade IV → surgical excision
  • Always exclude cancer in older patients with red flags → colonoscopy

External hemorrhoids

  • Pain only if thrombosed
  • Perianal abscess: tender fluctuant + fever → I&D

Fecal impaction (with overflow diarrhea)

  • Elderly on opioids + 5 days no BM + leakage of loose stool + hard stool on rectal exam
  • Enema or manual disimpaction
  • Then bowel regimen + reduce opioids
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