Anorectal Emergencies

Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Dec;103(6):1153-1170. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.05.014. Epub 2023 Jul 21.

Abstract

Anorectal emergencies are rare presentations of common anorectal disorders, and surgeons are often called on to assist in their diagnosis and management. Although most patients presenting with anorectal emergencies can be managed nonoperatively or with a bedside procedure, surgeons must also be able to identify surgical anorectal emergencies, such as gangrenous rectal prolapse. This article provides a review of pertinent anatomy; examination techniques; and workup, diagnosis, and management of common anorectal emergencies including thrombosed hemorrhoids, incarcerated hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anorectal abscess, rectal prolapse, and pilonidal abscess and unique situations including rectal foreign body and anorectal sexually transmitted infections.

Keywords: Abscess; Anorectal; Complications; Fissure; Hemorrhoid; Rectal foreign bodies; Rectal prolapse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Anus Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Anus Diseases* / therapy
  • Emergencies
  • Fissure in Ano* / diagnosis
  • Fissure in Ano* / therapy
  • Hemorrhoids* / surgery
  • Hemorrhoids* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Rectal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Rectal Diseases* / therapy
  • Rectal Prolapse* / diagnosis
  • Rectal Prolapse* / therapy