The characteristics of patients diagnosed with acquired benign anorectal conditions at MNH from June 2016 to June 2020

Abstract

Background: Acquired benign anorectal disorders are common in the general population worldwide and largely underestimated in surgical practice. Few studies have been conducted globally to establish its prevalence and they have shown variation in its predominance, symptoms, and management offered. The Prevalence of these conditions in our setting is lacking hence a true burden of disease is unknown. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with acquired benign anorectal disorders and operated at Muhimbili National Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a retrospective study involving a total of 226 patients operated on due to acquired benign anorectal conditions from June 2016 to June 2020 at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es salaam Tanzania. The presenting symptoms, preoperative diagnosis, investigations done, post-operative diagnosis, and type of Surgery done were recorded together with their demographic data were obtained from both patient's files and Hospital electronic database. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients operated on due to acquired benign anorectal conditions were studied. Hemorrhoids (46.9%) were the most frequent condition followed by a fissure in ano (24.9%) and fistula in ano (23.3%). 62.4% of patients were males and 37.6% were females. The age group of 30–40 years was most commonly affected by benign anorectal diseases accounting for 29.6% of all patients with a median age of 41 (ranging from 18 to 83 years). Common presenting symptoms, in general, were Painful defecation, mass protrusion per anus and around the anal verge, discharge around the perianal region, blood in the stool. Closed hemorrhoidectomy was commonly performed (92.6%) among patients with hemorrhoid, 60% of patients with fissure in anal underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy and 66.1% underwent fistulectomy among patients with Fistula in ano. Conclusion: Acquired benign anorectal conditions are common hemorrhoids being the common condition followed by a fissure in ano and fistula in ano. Recommendation: Presenting symptoms of acquired benign anorectal condition can easily be picked by patients themselves hence emphasis on early health-seeking behavior is important and addressing preventive measures and proper selection of treatment options in our settings is of great importance. Community-based studies to determine the true burden of disease, risk factors and other comparative studies on treatment options available are highly recommended.