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Rectal pain

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Overview

Rectal pain is uncomfortable and can be upsetting to many patients. Often, the origin of the pain is benign. Carcinoma should be ruled out in older patients. Many times, rectal pain can be easily diagnosed. In some cases, though, the pain may be from the urinary or gynecologic systems. Rectal pain should be distinguished from coccydynia which is buttock pain.

Causes

Causes

In alphabetical order. [1] [2]

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Acute anal fissure

  • Increase fiber/water intake
  • Sitz bath
  • Stool softener
  • Topical corticosteroids

Coccuodynia

Surgery

Indications for Surgery

References

References

  1. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016
  2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X

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