Anorectal Region (Anal Canal Region) and Diseases

Anorectal region is the term used for the last part of the large intestine (rectum) that opens out and the skin around the anus. This region is a very special area both in terms of its structure and its susceptibility to infection. While the 3-4 cm from the anus to the inside of it feels pain, there is no pain sensation in the deeper parts. In addition, there are muscles in this area that enable us to prevent defecation. Any damage to these muscles may cause the complaint of permanent defecation. For all these reasons, the treatment of diseases developing in and around the anus should be carefully planned. Anorectal disorders can be grouped as;

• Hemorrhoids (piles)
• Anal fissure (crack, tear in the anus)
• Anal fistula
• Ingrown hairs.

How are Disorders in the Anorectal (Rectal) Region Examined?

The examination of the anus region is usually done after the patient is placed on his / her side.The first method of examination is to visualize directly. In the meantime, it is checked whether there are conditions such as external hemorrhoids around the anus and fissure in the anus. The ingrown hair disease can be diagnosed visually. The second method of examination is to examine the inside of the anus with palpation (digital rectal examination) after wearing sterile gloves.

Although it seems to be a disturbing examination method for the patient, it provides the physician with valuable information. It is necessary for the diagnosis of diseases such as internal hemorrhoids, polyps and even tumors that can be encountered in approximately 7-8 cm from the anus, without the need for any special device.

Another examination method is the examination technique called anoscope or rectoscope, which can be performed in the outpatient clinic. It allows the physician to check the 10 cm part inside the anus visually.The most important issue regarding the diseases that manifest with rectal bleeding is that the disorder may mask a more important disease such as colorectal cancer.Therefore, in the presence of risk factors, this issue should not be ignored, colonoscopy or gastroscopy should be performed when necessary and the large intestine and stomach should be scanned in detail.

How Are Anorectal Region Disorders Treated?

The treatment modality differs from disease to disease and even from patient to patient. In some cases with painful external hemorrhoids or anal fissure, even nutritional recommendations without any treatment may be sufficient.Oral medication or topical applications may be sufficient for slightly more advanced diseases.  Surgery is the treatment of choice when ingrown hair, anal fistula, and advanced hemorrhoids or anus fissure are detected.

Does The Same Disease Recur After Surgery?

The disease can be treated with surgery, but the cause of the disease must be eliminated so that the disease does not recur. The breech region is inherently a dirty area. It is also prone to sweating and staying moist. For this reason, one should be careful about cleaning of this area as much as possible in the post-operative period.In addition, factors that may cause recurrence of the disease such as constipation and diarrhea should be eliminated. Increasing the consumption of vegetables and fibrous foods, reducing protein consumption and drinking plenty of water are among the factors that reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery.