Many patients, unfortunately, make avoidable mistakes—delaying care, self-treating with ineffective remedies, skipping follow-ups, misusing antibiotics, or not managing chronic illnesses like diabetes ...

The most common cause of an anal fistula is an anal abscess, although there are several other possible causes of the condition. Most anal fistulas form in the posterior midline. An abscess is a ...

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons has issued updated guidelines for physicians, published in Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, about how to treat problems of the anus and rectum called ...

The anus is that part of the intestinal tract that passes through the muscular canal of the pelvis and anal sphincters. It is the final orifice through which stool passes out of the body. In adults, ...

A young girl was at home doing a handstand when her mother noticed something unusual -- a second, tiny opening just behind her anus.

Common digestive problems, including hemorrhoids and anal fissures, can result in itching, pain, and general discomfort. Find out how to soothe that sensitive area and sit comfortably again. Anal or ...

An anal fistula is an abnormal tract between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It may cause symptoms such as pain or discomfort, and leak blood or pus. It usually results from previous anal ...

Factors involved in fistulizing perianal disease pathogenesis include a genetically determined altered immune response with increased production of cytokines, leading to upregulation of matrix ...

The left lateral decubitus position with the patient's knees pulled up is usually the most comfortable and modesty-preserving positioning for an elderly person. Sometimes previous spinal injury limits ...