Abstract
A comprehensive understanding and assessment of the anal canal play a vital role in the correct diagnosis and management of patients with anal canal disorders. Imaging of the anal canal may be performed using either AES or MRI, for evaluation of anal cancer, anal fistula and anal incontinence. Staging of early anal cancer is superior with AES though MRI is superior in the assessment of distant lymph node metastasis. MRI is slightly superior in the assessment of anal sepsis although AES does provide a useful alternative. AES is the gold standard in assessing anal sphincter integrity following obstetric injury. A wide variety of tests are available to assess the physiology of the anal canal. Physiological assessment gives an objective measure in patients with both faecal incontinence and difficult defaecation. The understanding of the anal canal anatomy and physiology is vital in the correct management of patients with anal disorders.
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Schizas, A.M.P., Williams, A.B. (2014). The Normal Anus. In: Cohen, R., Windsor, A. (eds) Anus. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-091-3_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-091-3_1
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