Overview
Anorectal disease refers to ailments of the anus and/or rectum. The most common conditions include hemorrhoids, anal warts, anal fissures, anorectal abscesses, anal fistulas and pilonidal sinus.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids develop when tissues of the rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can be located inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) or in the area surrounding the anus (external). Common causes of hemorrhoids include:
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Straining when using the restroom
- Lifting heavy objects
- Chronic diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
Symptoms include pain, inflammation and itching.
Treatment for mild cases of hemorrhoids may include sitz baths, cool compresses, pain relievers and over-the-counter topical medication. For chronic hemorrhoids, we have treatments like laser surgery, ksharasutra, surgical options such as hemorrhoidectomy.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. These tears can be caused by hard, dry bowel movements, diarrhea and inflammation. Symptoms include itching, pain and bleeding.
Surface fissures heal on their own, but deeper fissures may involve the underlying sphincter muscle in the anal canal and not heal properly.
For chronic fissures, treatments may include sitz baths, topical anesthetics or ayurvedic ointment, laser surgery.
Anorectal Abscess
When anal glands become infected, bacteria or fecal matter can enter surrounding tissues and create an anorectal abscess. This infection around the anus or rectum is filled with pus and causes pain, swelling, skin irritation and fever.
If you have Crohn’s disease, colitis or other inflammatory bowel disease, you are at higher risk of developing anorectal abscesses. Abscesses are generally treated in a doctor’s office using local anesthetic. The doctor makes an opening in the skin near the anus and drains the pus, which is the cause of the pain. Draining the abscess relieves pain and pressure, and most people find relief after the procedure. Larger or deeper abscesses may require an operation.
Anal Fistula
Roughly half of all anorectal abscesses develop into a fistula, an abnormal channel that links infected anal glands to the opening of the skin around the anus. After the abscess has been drained, the passage between the anal gland and the opening in the skin may not always heal. Recurring drainage through the channel can cause fistula formation. Symptoms of an anal fistula are similar to those of an anorectal abscess:
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
- Pus drainage
- Fever
Treatment for a fistula is laser surgery and Ksharasutra.
Pilonidal Sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin that can easily become infected. It typically forms in the cleft at the top of the buttocks.
Treatment for a pilonidal sinus is laser surgery and Ksharasutra.
Mokshak Ayurveda Treatments
- Surgical Treatment
- Ksharsutra Treatment
- Laser Surgery
