Anus

What is the anus?

The anus is the bottom opening of the gastrointestinal tract where waste exits the body. The anus connects to the bottom of the rectum, the end portion of the colon, or large intestine. While this area of the body may be a bit uncomfortable to discuss, the doctor is there to ensure that any issues you are dealing with are treated with care and respect. The anus is an important part of the body and if any issues develop Colon and Rectal Surgery of Manhattan will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and get patients feeling like themselves again.

What conditions can affect the anus?

• Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins outside the anus near the opening or those which bulge from the inside to the outside the anus.
• Anal cancer: Cancer of the anus is not common. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and unprotected sex can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
• Anal herpes: This virus can be spread through sexual contact. Symptoms can include painful, intermittent sores at the opening of the anus.
• Anal warts: HPV infection can cause warts to develop in and around the anus.
• Anal fistula: This is an abnormal channel which develops between the anus and the skin of the buttocks. Inflammatory bowel disease and previous surgery are frequent causes.
• Anal fissure: A tear in the anal lining, frequently caused by constipation.
• Anal abscess: An infected pocket in the soft tissue surrounding the anus.
• Proctalgia fugax: Severe pain in the anus and rectum, lasting seconds or minutes, then going away.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stool.
• Anal bleeding: Bright red blood from the anus, this requires an assessment to determine the cause.

What tests inspect the health of the anus?

• Physical examination: Inspection of the exterior and interior of the anus to identify abnormal areas.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope, is inserted into the anus and directed through the colon. Sigmoidoscopy can locate issues in the lower portion of the colon.
• Colonoscopy: An endoscope is inserted into the anus, and the entire colon can be observed.
• Fistulography (fistulogram): A contrast dye is injected into an abnormal opening in or close to the anus. Then, X-rays are taken. Fistulography can locate an abnormal connection, known as a fistula, between the skin and the anus.