Carcinoma does arise in the midst of the anorectal fistulas and abscesses of Crohn's disease. Carcinoma arising in a Crohn's disease fistula can be very difficult to diagnose. Examination may be limited by pain, stricture, or induration of the perianal and perineal tissues. Examination under anesthesia can also overlook the lesion. Diagnostic examination under anesthesia yields increases with biopsies or curettage of the fistulous tracts.
For the past 20 years, internal anal sphincterotomy has generally been considered to be the standard operation for an anal fissure. We sought an alternative form of treatment because of the wound complications inherent in this operation. Anal dilatation, precisely performed with a Parks' retractor opened to 4.8 cm or with a 40-mm rectosigmoid balloon, has been found to cure successfully the fissure in 93 percent and 94 percent, respectively, of each group and to be associated with fewer complications.
A series comprised of 28 patients (five with perforations of the recto-sigmoid colon and 23 with lodged rectal foreign bodies) is presented. The symptomatology, physical, laboratory and x-ray findings are described. Methods of management are discussed, with emphasis on the operative management of perforations and the conservative approach to retained foreign bodies. It is felt that these protocols will be useful to physicians who see this practice less frequently. X-rays of two more unusual cases are depicted. A thorough review of the literature is also presented. This is the largest reported series of patients with retained rectal foreign bodies and/or perforations. The series includes two female patients, a heretofore unreported occurrence.
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