Medical services

In Africa, the most common cause of fistulas is childbirth and obstructed labor that is left unrelieved. While the incidence of fistulas due to complicated births is lower in the United States, other causes can create this troublesome condition. Crohn’s disease and diverticular disease are well known to cause fistula formation. In addition, those who are undergoing radiation therapy are at greater risk for a variety of fistulas.

Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age. Most anal fissures get better with simple treatments, such as increased fiber intake or sitz baths. Some people with anal fissures may need medication or, occasionally, surgery

Evaluation and treatment of perianal abscess-fistula disease require a thorough understanding of anal anatomy. Understanding the anatomy helps to determine the origin and the subsequent course of this disease process and also helps both to direct therapeutic interventions and to risk-stratify outcomes.

Some doctors prefer to use a laser or liquid nitrogen instead of surgical excision. Cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen, freezes the skin tag. In a few days, the tag will fall off without the need for further handling. A laser burns the tag away, and any remaining skin falls off.

Rectal prolapse can sometimes be treated with stool softeners, suppositories and other medications. But surgery is usually needed to treat rectal prolapse.

Pancreatic growth develops when uncontrolled cell growth begins in a part of the pancreas. Symptoms include jaundice and abdominal pain, but these might not appear until the later stages.

Rarely, cysts can become infected. See a doctor if you have a fever and persistent abdominal pain. A ruptured pancreatic cyst can be a medical emergency, but fortunately is rare. A ruptured cyst can also cause infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).

Ventral hernias are typically diagnosed by checking the abdomen for a noticeable bulge. Some physicians may conduct CT scans, ultrasound, blood tests, or urinalysis in addition to the physical examination. A ventral hernia’s symptoms are determined by its location in the abdomen and can include sharp pain that may be present during physical activity, vomiting (in the case of incisional hernias), and constipation.

Incisional hernia refers to abdominal wall hernia at the site of a previous surgical incision. It is a type of ventral hernia. Midline incisional hernias are more common than other sites. It can be a definite hernia with all the hernia components of the defect, sac, and content. Or, it can be a weakness of the wall with shallow sac and occasional bulge of content.

Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort. Children's umbilical hernias often close on their own in the first two years of life, though some remain open into the fifth year or longer. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood are more likely to need surgical repair.