
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Anal fistula physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Patients with anal fistula usually appear in distress due to throbbing rectal pain. Patient presents with anal fistula is having normal vital signs but if anal fistula gets infected, it will lead to the formation of an abscess. Patient with an abscess presents with unstable vitals like high-grade fever, Tachycardia, Tachypnea, low blood pressure. On rectal examination, there is redness, tenderness and discharge is seen.
Appearance of the Patient
- Patients with anal fistula usually appear in distress due to throbbing rectal pain.
Vital Signs
Patient presents with anal fistula is having normal vital signs but if anal fistula gets infected, it will lead to the formation of an abscess. Patient with an abscess presents with unstable vitals:
- High-grade fever
- Tachycardia with regular pulse
- Tachypnea
- Low blood pressuree with normal pulse pressure
Rectal Exam
Rectal Exam
- Patient with anal fistula usually have throbbing rectal pain. The examination is usually done under sedation.[1][2]
- On inspection perianal skin is red and excoriated.
- On palpation, there is tenderness and fluctuation due to abscess.
- Bidigital rectal examination is usually done under the local anesthesia due to severe pain.
Lymph Node Examnination
Lymph Node Examnination
On palpation, inguinal lymph nodes are usually enlarged.
References
References
- ↑ “www.fascrs.org” (PDF).
- ↑ Vogel JD, Johnson EK, Morris AM, Paquette IM, Saclarides TJ, Feingold DL, Steele SR (2016). “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Anorectal Abscess, Fistula-in-Ano, and Rectovaginal Fistula”. Dis. Colon Rectum. 59 (12): 1117–1133. doi:10.1097/DCR.0000000000000733. PMID 27824697.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]
