• Dr.Bhavik Rana(Consultant)|Vapi & Valsad

  • +91-97242 47109

Anal Stenosis

Anal Stenosis

Anal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the anal canal that makes it difficult to pass stool, can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Also referred to as anal stricture, this condition occurs when the muscles in the anus – which expand and contract to regulate the passage of fecal material – narrow.


Causes

  • Constipation or straining during bowel movements
  • Anal or rectal tears
  • Complications from a surgical procedure, such as a hemorrhoidectomy
  • Irritation from constant diarrhea
  • Rectal infection

In the majority of cases, anal stenosis is linked to scar tissue formation, which can occur after trauma or hemorrhoid surgery. Other causes can include a congenital malformation, venereal disease, and a rectal infection. This condition most often affects the internal (involuntary) sphincter instead of the external sphincter, which a person can control.

SYMPTOMS

  • Pain when trying to have a bowel movement
  • Need to strain to pass stool
  • Constipation
  • Bleeding after a bowel movement
  • Thin stools and break apart like pellets
  • Need to use laxatives, suppositories, or enemas to pass stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Stool leakage

TREATMENT

The non-surgical treatment options for anal stenosis are limited, though fiber supplements, stool softeners, emollient laxatives, or a high-fiber diet may help soften stools so they pass more easily.

Common surgical options include an anoplasty, the surgical reconstruction of the anus, or a sphincterotomy, which involves the cutting of the internal sphincter muscle to reduce tension.