Anorectal congenital malformations include a wide spectrum of defects, each of which requires a specific treatment and has a different functional prognosis. The main and most feared sequela is fecal incontinence, which is a devastating problem, although anal stenosis also…
Patients with anorectal and pelvic pain often present to the colorectal surgeon with debilitating symptoms. It is estimated that such symptoms affect as many as 6.6% of the population, but only a third of these patients will seek medical care.…
Introduction Anal cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only 1.5% of gastrointestinal malignancies. However, its incidence is on the rise. Although chemotherapy/radiotherapy is the primary mode of treatment of anal squamous cell cancer (SCC), abdominoperineal resection is still required at…
Introduction Anorectal melanoma is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. It can be found anywhere in the anal canal or distal rectum and can spread anywhere in the body. Standard chemotherapy and radiation options are not effective, and thus…
Introduction Malignancies of the anus, anal canal, and perianal skin include epidermoid carcinoma, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. From 2006 to 2010, the number of new cases of anal cancer was 1.7 per 100,000 men…
Acknowledgment We thank Radu Clincea, MD, infectious disease consultant, for his assistance with this chapter. The anorectum is being used with increased frequency for sexual fulfillment. In both sexes this practice has resulted in an increase in the incidence and…
Background and Epidemiology Anal warts (condyloma acuminata) occur as a result of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV infection affects approximately 20 million people and more than 50% of all…
Introduction Anal stenosis (also referred to as anal stricture) is an abnormal narrowing of the anus that often occurs after colon and rectal surgery. The diagnosis of anal stenosis is suggested by a history of constipation and difficulty in passing…
Introduction Patients with pruritus ani experience symptoms of perianal itching, burning, or soreness. These symptoms may occur during the day or night, with higher intensity after bowel movements, and may even interfere with sleep. The prevalence may increase during the…
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which was first described by Alfred Velpeau in the early 1800s, is a chronic inflammatory condition of apocrine sweat glands affecting between 2% and 4% of young adults. HS results in significant morbidity in many patients. Although…