Anorectal diseases

A careful anorectal examination is an important part of the gastrointestinal evaluation, particularly in patients with constipation or anorectal complaints. Anoscopy is the best means of examining the anal canal. Anoscopy is the best means of examining the anal canal. Hemorrhoids are clusters of vascular tissues, smooth muscle, and connective tissue that are arranged in three clusters and are essential to the normal function of the anal canal. Hemorrhoids are either internal or external. The distinction of anorectal varices from external hemorrhoids may be difficult. Patients with anorectal varices have other manifestations of portal hypertension, such as esophageal varices and ascites. Anorectal abscess and fistula represent the acute and chronic manifestations of suppurative anorectal infection, respectively. Complete rectal prolapse, or procidentia, indicates intussusception of all layers of the rectal wall through the anus. Anorectal pain is associated with a variety of organic conditions but also occurs in patients in whom organic conditions are not identified.