Anal discomfort is often ignored or regarded as a nuisance, but the BHC wants you to know that it isn’t one that you have to endure. The following ailments are just a few of the conditions for which you can be treated at the BHC. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described below, please contact us at 617.735.8868 to schedule an appointment.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the anal canal or near the opening of the anus and are caused by excessive pressure in the rectal or pelvic area. Sometimes hemorrhoids may become prolapsed, which means that they enlarge enough to protrude from the anal canal during bowel movements or, in some cases, between bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are painful, but not serious, and the condition is marked by the following symptoms:
Hemorrhoids can be diagnosed by examining the area with a gloved finger or a short, lighted scope used to look inside the ano-rectum. The BHC’s goal is to use minimally invasive, in-office methods, like banding or coagulation, to treat hemorrhoids. In the event that surgery is required, it will be performed in a Harvard-affiliated hospital using modern techniques designed to minimize patient discomfort and reduce the length of recovery.
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus caused by trauma to the anal canal. Injury can be caused by frequent diarrhea or passage of a large or hard stool, or following vaginal delivery. This common ailment is marked by the following symptoms:
Usually, a physician can diagnose a fissure visually and may use a gloved finger or a lighted instrument to examine it. Anal fissures can be healed with a prescription cream or, if that fails, Botox injections. Certain cases may require surgery if medication does not heal the fissure.
Proctitis is the inflammation of the anus and lining of the rectum. It can be caused by infections or may be a sign of more generalized conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. It may be also be a side effect of radiation or antibiotics. Proctitis is marked by the following symptoms:
Proctitis is diagnosed by using a procedure called a proctosigmoidoscopy in which the rectum is examined with a camera that is passed through the anus. Proctitis is treated with prescription medication, but because proctitis is sometimes caused by an inflammatory disease, like Crohn’s Disease, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist.
Peter Mowschenson is a Harvard trained physician and board certified surgeon. He is known in the community for his expertise and experience in the field of colo-rectal problems, has researched and published studies on the topic and has extensive experience treating colo-rectal ailments. Mowschenson is affiliated with a major Harvard teaching hospital and is a member of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, the Boston Surgical Society, the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, the New England Surgical Society and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.
If you are experiencing anal itching or burning, pain during bowel movements or any other type of anal discomfort, it is important that you see a specialist to be properly diagnosed, determine whether your ailment is isolated or part of a larger condition, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and receive appropriate treatment.
At the BHC we treat many types of colo-rectal problems including:
Please contact us at 617.735.8868 to discuss diagnosis methods and treatment options.