Treatment of common anorectal disorders

Family physicians can manage most common anorectal disorders seen in office practice. Proctitis is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections that can be treated with antibiotics. Pruritus ani, anal fissures, fungal infections and hygiene problems are all amenable to simple treatments. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids can be opened and drained. Bleeding or symptomatic internal hemorrhoids can be treated with rubber-band ligation. Perirectal or ischiorectal abscesses require incision and drainage, sometimes under general anesthesia. Serious disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and cutaneous malignancies should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of common anorectal disorders.