Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 17, 2013
Manual dilatation of the anus.
A MacDonald1, A Smith, A D McNeill
1Division of Surgery, Stirling Royal Infirmary, UK.
Manual anal dilatation showed limited success for anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and anal stenosis. This retrospective review suggests a reduced role for this treatment in common anorectal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Manual anal dilatation was a historical treatment for anorectal conditions.
- Its efficacy and complication rates require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively assess the outcomes of manual anal dilatation for anorectal disorders.
- To determine the effectiveness and complication rates of this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients treated between 1980 and 1983.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Manual dilatation failed to successfully treat 26/46 anal fissures.
- It was ineffective as a sole treatment for hemorrhoids and anal stenosis in multiple cases.
- Incontinence occurred in 27 patients (21 female).
- 23/25 patients without a diagnosis reported symptom relief.
Conclusions:
- Manual anal dilatation has a limited success rate for treating anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and anal stenosis.
- The procedure is associated with a significant risk of incontinence.
- A reduced role for manual anal dilatation in managing common anorectal disorders is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

