Living with an anorectal disorder can cause serious complications if left untreated. Trust us to provide the specialized medical attention you need. An anorectal disorder occurs at the junction of your anal canal and rectum. Often treatment is available in your provider's office. For some care, you might need more complex treatments available at a hospital.

Learn about our expanded patient care options for your health care needs. If one of these glands becomes clogged, it can get infected, and an abscess can develop. An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus under the skin in the area of the anus and rectum. In most cases, your healthcare provider can diagnose an anorectal abscess by looking externally at the anus and through a digital rectal exam. This test involves the healthcare provider inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your anus. A speculum can be inserted to allow the whole anal area to be seen. In some instances, a healthcare provider will need to do a proctosigmoidoscopy.

An anal fistula also called fistula-in-ano is a small tunnel that tracks from an opening inside the anal canal to an outside opening in the skin near the anus. An anal fistula often results from a previous or current anal abscess. However, a fistula can also occur without an abscess. Small glands just inside the anus are part of normal anatomy.

The anus is that part of the intestinal tract that passes through the muscular canal of the pelvis and anal sphincters. It is the final orifice through which stool passes out of the body. In adults, the anus is 4 to 5 centimeters long. The lower half of the anal canal has sensitive nerve endings. There are blood vessels under the lining, and in its mid portion there are numerous tiny, anal glands.