Anorectal stenosis

Abstract

Anorectal stenosis is a relatively uncommon problem that occurs most often as a complication of previous anorectal surgery [11]. Stenosis is clinically significant if symptomatic, due to malignancy, or if it prevents passage of a 12-mm colonoscope. Symptoms vary with the aetiology and degree of stenosis, but may include tenesmus, pain and bleeding on defaecation, faecal impaction or overflow incontinence, abdominal pain and large-bowel obstruction. The underlying cause dictates management. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.