Proctitis

proctitis [präk′tīd·əs]

(medicine)

Inflammation of the anus or rectum.

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Proctitis 

an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum.

Proctitis is generally associated with inflammatory changes in the lower intestine, such as proctosigmoiditis, colitis, and enterocolitis. There are various causes, including acute and chronic infections, food poisoning, changes in intestinal flora, and vascular, metabolic, and immunologic disorders. Secondary proctitis results from other diseases, such as rectal fistulas and hemorrhoids. Catarrhal, hemorrhagic, purulent, ulcerative, necrotic, and mixed forms of proctitis are distinguished. The course of the disease may be acute, subacute, or chronic. The most common symptoms are unpleasant sensations in the anal region, frequent stools, and discharge of mucus and sometimes blood. Rectoramanoscopy, fluoroscopy, and microbiological examination of feces are used for diagnosis. Treatment depends on the form and causes of the disease.

REFERENCE

Ryzhikh, A. N. Khirurgiia priamoi kishki: Osnovy proktologii. Moscow, 1956.

V. D. FEDOROV