[Anal complaints; article for education and training purposes]

Anal complaints are common, often disabling and may have a big impact on quality of life. Treatment is aimed at improving underlying conditions and starts with recognizing symptoms. Diagnosis can be made by taking a structured clinical history and meticulous perianal examination with rectal exam. Anorectal disorders can be effectively treated in general practice with primarily conservative measures like improving life style, toilet habits and pelvic physiotherapy. Symptoms can further be relieved by correct anal hygiene and topical ointments. Follow up is essential to evaluate response and adjust treatment. When results are insufficient patients can be referred to a gastroenterologist or gastrointestinal surgeon.