Emergencies in proctology

Acute conditions in proctology refer to anorectal disorders presenting with symptoms such as acute anal pain and bleeding that may require immediate treatment. This pub-lication discusses the diagnosis and management of common anorectal emergencies such as hemorrhoidal crisis, bleeding anorectal varices, anal fissure, anorectal abscess, strangulated rectal prolapse, Fournier gangrene and retained anorectal foreign bodies. Although many acute complications occurring in emergency cases are not life-threat-ening and can be successfully treated in an outpatient setting, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications such as sepsis or permanent func-tional impairment. A detailed medical history and careful physical examination, including digital rectal examination and anoscopy, are essential for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. In some cases, some imaging tests such as computed tomography and ultrasonography are required. When in doubt, treating physicians should not hesitate to consult a specialist for diagnosis, proper treatment and appropriate follow-up, e.g. colorectal surgeon.