Anorectal Disease

Anorectal disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the anus and rectum that can arise from chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, or strain during bowel movements. Symptoms often include pain, bleeding, and discomfort, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

The more common conditions associated with anorectal disease are: 

• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids can be located inside or in the area surrounding the anus and develop when the rectal tissue becomes swollen and inflamed. Depending on the severity of your condition, hemorrhoids can be treated in several ways, including topical medications, banding, or injections. Surgical intervention is reserved for only severe cases.
• Anal Fissures: Small tearing can occur in the lining of the anus that is caused by more aggressive bowel movements, such as diarrhea. While surface fissures can heal on their own, deeper fissures require a discussion with a medical professional. Anal fissures can be treated with topical ointment, a warm water bath (sitz bath), and sometimes, just a high-fiber diet. When you come into LVSA, our specialists can help you find the best solution for you. 
• Anal Warts: Medically referred to as Condyloma, anal warts are the result of HPV (human papillomavirus) and form around the anus. While many people do not experience severe complications – itching, bleeding, or moisture are some common side effects. Anal warts can be treated with ointments, cauterization, or a special acid, often requiring several treatment combinations.
• Anorectal Abscess: Anorectal abscesses occur when the anal gland becomes infected, which occurs around the rectum, and becomes filled with pus. Patients who are suffering from an abscess experience pain, swelling, skin irritation, and fever. Anorectal abscesses are normally treated in our office using a local anesthetic for a more comfortable experience, after which the surgeon will make an incision near the anus to drain the pus. More severe, deeper abscesses may require more invasive surgery.
• Anal Fistula: Almost half of all abscesses will eventually develop into a fistula if the recently drained abscess doesn’t properly heal. While typically not painful, patients experiencing anal fistulas can expect swelling, skin irritation, pus, fecal material drainage, and sometimes even a fever. In order to treat a fistula, the surgeon needs to make a small incision in the anal sphincter muscle, which opens up the passage between the anal gland and the skin.
• Fecal incontinence: Also known as, bowel incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage of stool. This condition can range from occasional minor leakage to a complete loss of control and may result from muscle or nerve damage, chronic constipation, or underlying medical conditions. Treatment for fecal incontinence depends on the underlying cause but may include dietary changes, pelvic floor therapy, medications, or surgical options.

Las Vegas Surgical Associates is renowned for its experienced team, including Dr. Jiashou Jimmy Xu, who has extensive training in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries. They are dedicated to providing exceptional care, as reflected in their positive patient reviews. LVSA is a group practice, and one of our physicians is always on call and can answer questions or take care of acute surgical emergencies when they arise. Patients appreciate the personalized attention and thorough follow-up care they receive from Dr. Xu and his team.