Sources and symptoms of paraproctitis.

The disease got its name from the combination of the Greek words para and proktos, meaning - near the anus. According to statistics, such inflammations account for 30 - 40% of all proctological disorders.

The main reason for the appearance of fistulas is considered to be the penetration of infections through the anal glands or the lumen of the rectum. Also, factors that increase the likelihood of inflammation include:

• a decrease in the immune properties of the body;
• malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, diarrhea);
• proctological pathologies (papillitis, hemorrhoids, cryptitis);
• trauma to the mucous membrane (damage from foreign bodies or undigested food);
• vascular changes (diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis).

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the body's ability to defend itself against pathogenic infections. Most often, an abscess forms (under the skin of the perineum or between the muscles of the buttocks).

In modern medicine, paraproctitis is divided into two types.

1. Acute - is detected for the first time and is characterized by violent manifestations.

2. Chronic - is usually the result of an untreated acute phase.

The symptoms of paraproctitis depend on the degree of damage and the duration of the disease. The initial stage is characterized by:

• fever;
• weakness, fatigue;
• pain during bowel movements;
• heaviness in the pelvic area;
• chills, fever;
• redness of the perineum and perianal area;
• infiltrate, swelling in the anus;
• asymmetry of the buttocks.

If paraproctitis has reached the stage at which pararectal fistulas are formed, then the symptoms manifest themselves in waves. Depending on the phases of remission and exacerbation, the following are observed:

• purulent discharge;
• tissue necrosis;
• irritation, itching.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should immediately seek medical help. Without timely treatment, serious complications may occur (blood poisoning, pus breakthrough into the retroperitoneal space). With prolonged exposure, the fistula can degenerate into colorectal cancer.

A proctologist diagnoses the disease. A physical examination and patient interview are used to determine the type of inflammation. In the chronic form, palpation and probing of the anus are used. To clarify the diagnosis, additional blood tests for leukocytosis and increased ESR are performed.

Treatment of paraproctitis consists of immediate surgical intervention. It is necessary to open the abscess and clean the resulting cavity. In some cases, a drainage tube is installed. The operation is performed under general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. Complete recovery occurs in a few days.

Postoperative patient support consists of pharmacotherapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics, periodic wound treatment, detoxification, and general tonic medications.

To prevent inflammation, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, avoid hypothermia, balance the diet, avoid digestive disorders in every possible way, and promptly treat diseases that irritate the skin near the anus.