Hemorrhoids, external
External hemorrhoids occur distal to the dentate line. The treatment of hemorrhoids in the past has included suppositories, cautery, and excision. Walter Whitehead introduced a radical procedure in 1882 in…
Read MoreAnal Fissure
Anal fissures occur when there is a tear in the anal canal that usually extends from the dentate line to the anal verge. The most effective treatment for anal fissures,…
Read MoreColon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the U.S. Colorectal cancer is further divided into colon cancer and rectal cancer. The former will be…
Read MoreFistula-in-Ano
Fistulas occur when there is an abnormal connection between two epithelialized surfaces that do not usually connect. Fistula-in-ano refers to a fistula between the skin and the anus. In 30…
Read MoreAnorectal Abscess
Anorectal (perirectal) abscesses are usually the result of an infection of the anal glands located at the dentate line. They commonly expand caudally to the anoderm (perianal abscess) or across…
Read MoreRectovaginal Fistula
Rectovaginal fistulas are an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina. In patients with recurring or persistent rectovaginal fistulas, a Martius repair can be utilized to correct the abnormality. This…
Read MoreVentral Hernia
Ventral hernias are hernias that occur through the anterior abdominal wall. Etiology Physical exam Imaging Relevant Information Complications Scoring Systems/Classifications Differential Diagnoses
Read MoreInflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be further divided into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease. The name “ulcerative colitis” was coined…
Read MoreDiverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation of diverticula, the abnormal outpouchings of the colonic wall. Graser first described diverticulitis in 1899. Left-sided diverticulitis is most common in the Western world…
Read MoreLaparotomy
Laparotomy refers to a surgical incision in the abdominal wall in order to gain access to the abdominal cavity. The word is derived from the Greek words lapara (flank) and…
Read More