Treatment of anal duplications

Anal duplications mean a buildup of loose skin around the anal opening. They occur frequently in patients and are almost always benign (harmless). They are usually mistaken by patients for hemorrhoids. An anal duplication may be one, two or in some cases several, arranged circularly around the entire anal opening.

They are often a so-called "innocent bystander" alongside other ongoing disease in the anal canal and rectal area.

They occur concomitantly with hemorrhoidal disease, with shrinkage or also regression of external hemorrhoidal nodes. The originally taut skin remains loose and multiplied. They may also arise after a perianal thrombosis, i.e. a clot in the external haemorrhoidal node.

They can also be a manifestation of anal fissures when the disease is prolonged and the body produces excess tissue around the anal opening. In this case, they tend to be "painful" especially when defecating.

Chronic irritation from regular mucoid discharge from the anal canal can also lead to the formation of skin duplications. Thorough diagnosis with a focus on uncovering the primary cause in many cases leads to alleviation of the above.

Rarely, duplications may be associated with Crohn's disease, specifically the perianal form.

Treatment of anal duplications

Treatment begins first and foremost with a precise diagnosis and consists of discovering the possible causes of duplications. Therefore, experience with diseases of the anal canal, rectum and perianal area is very important for a proctologist. Only in this case can the treatment be effective and not useless, even downright harmful.

With a tear, just removing the duplication alone and not addressing the tear itself will only lead to worsening pain and ultimately re-forming the tissue and making the problem worse.

In Crohn's disease, even its removal can lead to a "catastrophe" withthe formation of a non-healing defect and the deterioration of the general condition.

At our proctology centre we have sufficient experience and knowledge to ensure that the treatment is targeted, not unnecessary or even harmful to the patient.