STUDY ON CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF PERIANAL DISEASES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AT A PERIPHERAL UNIT dristhiyak@gmail.com

 

STUDY ON CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF PERIANAL DISEASES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AT A PERIPHERAL UNIT

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Sri Lanka

Poster Exhibition only

Perianal diseases are one of most common presenting entities in outpatient department, like haemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, or abscesses that affect the anal region. Majority in their lifetime experience some form of perianal diseases. There is lack of data on the overall incidences of perianal diseases from Sri Lanka, especially from eastern part of the country and whatever the available data are more specific disease-centric.

The purpose of this study is to understand the clinical spectrum of patients with perianal diseases. This observational cross-sectional study at Ashraff Memorial Hospital, Kalmunai, from 1 August 2022 to 31 January 2023, enrolled 132 patients with perianal symptoms. Data included demographics, history, comorbidities, examination, investigations, disease classification, and consultant-advised management.

Most patients were aged 30–50 years (54.6%) with male predominance (69.7%). The presenting symptoms were pain (50.8%), bleeding (16.7%), anal lump (10.6%), pruritus, discharge, swelling, and fever. Hemorrhoids (42.4%) were most common, followed by fissures (25.8%), fistulas (13.6%), abscess, and pruritus ani. Most hemorrhoids were uncomplicated (78.6%); 76.5% of fissures were acute. Conservative treatment was given in 68.2%, surgery in 31.8% (mainly for fistulas and abscesses). Proctoscopy was done in 71.2%, sigmoidoscopy in 14.4%. Constipation occurred in 71.2%, especially with hemorrhoids and fissures. Diabetes (30.3%) and hypothyroidism (13.6%) were common comorbidities.

Symptomatology varied with different type of anal conditions. Provisional diagnosis can be made clinically and confirmed with rectal exam or imaging. Most perianal disorders are manageable outpatient, avoiding unnecessary admissions. Managing comorbidities like hypothyroidism and diabetes may slow disease progression.