Anal Conditions in Draper, Utah

Anal conditions

We can take care of most the following conditions in the office that can cause discomfort and pain. Some of the most common ones include:

1. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. They can be internal or external and are usually caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or pregnancy.
Anal skin tags are small areas of skin only that protrude and can cause discomfort, problems with hygiene or intermittent cracking, or splitting with some bleeding. These can be exercised in the office under local anesthetic. If swollen areas include dilated blood vessels then those are considered hemorrhoids.

2. Anal fissures: An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, which can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. Fissures are often caused by passing hard or large stools, chronic diarrhea, or anal trauma. keeping stool soft will significantly improve healing. Occasionally prescription medication to relax the muscle pressure will improve healing about 70% of the time. Botox injections can paralyze the muscles to allow healing which works about 75 to 80% and is temporary but can leave some leakage up to three months. A surgical procedure which divides a small portion of the muscle provides over 95% healing that can be done in the office or in the operating room if needed. There is less than one percent chance of having some leakage problems.

3. Anal abscesses: An anal abscess is a painful, swollen lump near the anus that is filled with pus. It is usually caused by an infection of a nearby gland or hair follicle and may require drainage. This can be done in our office under local aesthetic.
4. Anal fistulas: An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It is usually the result of an untreated anal abscess and may cause pain, swelling, and discharge. These usually need a procedure in the operating room to divide the chronically draining tract to allow your best chance of healing.

5. Anal warts: Anal warts are small growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can appear in and around the anus. They may cause itching, pain, or bleeding, and can be treated with medication or surgery.
6. Anal cancer: Anal cancer is a rare but serious condition that can develop in the tissues of the anus. Symptoms may include bleeding, pain, itching, or changes in bowel habits. Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.