ACG Clinical Guidelines: Management of Benign Anorectal Disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Colorectal Surgery
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Anorectal Physiology and Pathophysiology

Background:

• Benign anorectal disorders are frequently encountered in clinical settings.
• These conditions significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare utilization.
• Standardized approaches to diagnosis and management are essential for optimal patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide official practice recommendations for the evaluation and management of common benign anorectal disorders in adults.
• To summarize the preferred approaches for conditions including defecation disorders, proctalgia syndromes, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal incontinence.
• To establish evidence-based guidelines to support clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Systematic assessment of scientific evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process.
• Development of key concept statements based on expert consensus when GRADE was not applicable.
• Synthesis of evidence and expert opinion to formulate preferred practice recommendations.

Main Results:

• Guidelines cover the evaluation and management of defecation disorders, proctalgia syndromes, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal incontinence.
• Recommendations are based on rigorous evidence assessment and expert consensus.
• The guidelines represent preferred, but not exclusive, approaches to these conditions.

Conclusions:

• These guidelines offer a preferred, evidence-based framework for managing common benign anorectal disorders.
• They aim to standardize care and improve outcomes for patients with these prevalent conditions.
• Clinicians should consider these recommendations as a valuable resource in their practice.