Anorectal emergencies

Abstract

Why have a chapter about anorectal emergencies in a book about emergency abdominal surgery? The easiest answer would be one based on anatomy-the rectum is an abdominal viscus and the anus, although not strictly abdominal, belongs to the perineum, which latu sensu is the floor of the abdominal cavity. But the best reason for inclusion is mostly pragmatic-anorectal emergencies are usually managed by the general surgeon on duty. And he must have the proper knowledge to manage adequately these frequent emergencies without doing further harm to the patient. What can be defined as an anorectal emergency? Broadly speaking, any condition related to the anus and/or the rectum,which, either because of the risk of death or injury,or simply because of intense pain and suffering,deserves immediate treatment.Consider the following: Trauma to the rectum and anus Rectal foreign bodies Perianal abscess Necrotizing infections of the perineum Acute strangulated internal hemorrhoids Acute incarcerated full-thickness rectal prolapsed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.