title: Benign anal disease.
abstract: Benign anal disease encompasses common problems including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, pruritus ani, perianal abscesses, and fistulae. Although many people will suffer from at least one of these conditions in their lives, healthcare practitioners diagnose and treat them accurately about 50% to 83% of the time. This article reviews common anal problems and the importance of a thorough history and physical examination to proper patient management.
authors.affiliation: Susannah J. Clark works in general surgery in Brockton, Mass., and specializes in colon and rectal disease. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Susannah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005401:Fissure in Ano; D006484:Hemorrhoids; D006801:Humans; D011538:Pruritus Ani