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Ailmemts & Remedies

Anal Stenosis

Definition:
Anal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the anal opening, which makes it difficult for stool contents to pass through easily. Symptomatic children tend to be particularly colicky babies, because of the discomfort associated with the stool backing up. The stool may exit under pressure and look almost like a squirt gun. Treatment of this disorder usually involves gentle dilation of the anal opening. This is typically done twice a day. Every week a slightly larger lubricated dilator is passed to stretch the anus until it reaches normal size. In very mild cases, softening the stool may be sufficient until the anus grows sufficiently. Suppositories can make the child comfortable in the short run, but do run the risk of dependence. At around 4 months, apple or even prune juice may help the child to pass stool. Rarely, surgery is needed to insure an opening of adequate caliber. If this is an isolated anomaly, the prognosis is excellent.

You may click to see the picture
Some children are born with no anal opening at all. This is called an imperforate anus. The rectum ends in a blind pouch, about 2 cm inside the perianal skin. Usually the sphincters are well developed. For these children, a colostomy is indicated during the newborn period, but once the final surgery corrects the defect, the prognosis is likewise excellent.

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The most frequent anorectal defect seen in boys is the recto-urethral fistula, or a communication between the rectum and the lower part of the urethra. These children also require a colostomy before the definitive repair period. The long term prognosis for normal urethral and rectal function is good.

Scar formation after perianal fistulae, trauma, severe anal sac disease, or treatment for neoplasia may result in a reduced lumen and particularly a loss of the capacity to dilate with passage of feces. Straining, passage of ribbon-like feces and constipation result.

Symptoms
The restriction of the anal canal prevents the normal expulsion of faeces, resulting in difficulty and pain when trying to open the bowels, and leading to constipation. Babies may also experience pain when trying to open their bowels.

click to see the pictures

Causes and risk factors:
Anal stenosis may be present from birth, when it might be accompanied by malformations of the anal opening. This happens in one in several thousand births.

Sometimes the opening appears further forward than normal. In girls, it’s usually immediately behind or inside the female genitalia. In boys, there may be no obvious opening at all or just a small area of bulging skin or a tiny channel under the skin.

More commonly, stenosis develops as a result of scarring from a tiny fissure, or crack, in the anal canal. This is usually the reason why adults develop anal stenosis, but it can also occur in babies.

Anal stenosis may also develop after surgery to the anus, for example after the removal of piles or haemorrhoidectomy.

Treatment and recovery:
Low-risk treatments:

Laxatives, suppositories and other treatments are used to help loosen motions and lubricate the anal canal, to make it easier to empty the bowels. There’s little risk the person affected will come to any harm from these treatments if they’re used as prescribed and only for a matter of months while the problem settles. (It must be remembered that the risks are considerably less than those that might occur if the affected person becomes very constipated).

One solution to this problem is to simply insert a plastic tube known appropriately as an “anoscope” and relieve the obstruction. ..You may click to see the  picture.

Individuals suffering from anal stenosis aren’t likely to become dependent on the laxatives and suppositories.

However, its also important to make dietary changes (such as plenty of raw fruit and vegetables to provide natural fibre, and plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration) in order to keep the motions soft. Regular exercise also helps keep a regular bowel habit.

Surgical treatments:
In mild cases, gentle and gradual dilation by the regular passage of normal motions may be enough. But quite often surgery is needed, especially in more severe cases. The surgical treatment of anal stenosis depends on the extent of the problem. In most cases all that’s needed is for the anal canal to be stretched. Often this can be done by the doctor in the hospital clinic, without the need for anaesthetic.

If the stenosis is severe, dilation may performed under anaesthesia. More major surgery is only needed if the anal canal needs reconstructing or (in small children with congenital anal stenosis) it needs repositioning or there are other malformations that require surgery.

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Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.drgreene.com/qa/anal-stenosis-and-anorectal-malformations
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/anal+stenosis
http://meded.ucsd.edu/clinicalimg/gu_anal_stenosis.htm
http://www.yourerdoc.com/anal-stenosis/

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4 replies on “Anal Stenosis”

Dear sir,
I got operated for 5 times for piles , fistula etc.. due to whch the tissue scar has developed & finally nw its diagnosid as anal stenosis ,nw the problem with me is i dont hv any constipation but i can’t clear the bowel in a single sitting, it takes 20 to 25 times to clear the bowel, else gases will develop & goes to the head ,each joint & nerves will b filled with gases,
Dont feel like taking food or moving out , it feels exhausted to clear the bowel each day , kindly suggest a suitable remedy for my prblm..regards

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