Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery Concerns: Managing Hygiene and Discomfort
Postoperative issues related to hemorrhoid surgery? Hello Doctor: It has been over three months since my hemorrhoid surgery. After having a bowel movement, I always wash thoroughly with water, but sometimes I still find feces on my underwear. Occasionally, when I wipe my anus, th...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
After hemorrhoid surgery, as long as there is no pain or bleeding, it can be considered healed. Stains on underwear may be related to stool consistency being too soft or insufficient contraction strength of the anal sphincter. If there has been frequent coughing or heavy lifting ...[Read More] Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery Concerns: Managing Hygiene and Discomfort
Understanding Anal Health: Symptoms, Concerns, and Surgical Options
Anus and buttocks Hello, Dr. Ke. I would like to ask you about a concern. After cleaning my anus with body wash, I notice a foul smell about an hour later when I touch it. Is this normal? Additionally, I experience swelling and pain on the left side of my buttock, approximately t...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. It is normal for the anus to have an odor. 2. Based on your description, it seems you may have an anal fistula. If not surgically excised, it can recur, and in severe cases, it may develop into a complex fistula, increasing the difficulty of surgery. The procedure involves in...[Read More] Understanding Anal Health: Symptoms, Concerns, and Surgical Options
Understanding Side Effects of Suppositories for Muscle Spasms
Questions about corticosteroids? Hello Dr. Yu, during my outpatient visit, I mentioned that I might have symptoms of pelvic floor muscle spasms, so the doctor prescribed this suppository for me. However, since I started using the suppository, I have noticed white substances appea...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello^^ It is possible that it was triggered by the suppository, but it is not a side effect.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Suppositories for Muscle Spasms
Understanding the Differences Between Anal Fistulas and Cancer
Anal fistulas and cancer are completely different conditions? Hello Dr. Ke, I initially thought that anal fistulas were related to cancer. I underwent surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital on August 30, and today I saw that you previously mentioned they are completely un...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Anal fistulas are a complication resulting from bacterial infections around the anus, creating a channel between the skin and the rectum. This channel can repeatedly become infected and exude fluid, so surgical removal is recommended. Cancer, on the other hand, involves abnormal ...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Anal Fistulas and Cancer
Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Bowel issues Hello Doctor: I do not have constipation, my stools are not hard, and the color is normal. I typically have a bowel movement once every morning, and I do not experience abdominal pain or bloating. However, a few months ago, I started to feel like I wasn't comple...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This symptom is medically referred to as tenesmus, which is caused by the persistent rectal distension reflex. If there is an object present in the rectum, it can trigger the urge to defecate, which is the mechanism of rectal evacuation. The presence of feces, tumors, or even lar...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Stool Shape: What Your Bowel Movements Say About Your Health
Stool shape Hello Dr. Ke, last month I inquired about rectal bleeding after bowel movements. I later underwent a double-contrast barium enema at a medical center, and the report indicated that nothing was found. Since I haven't experienced any further bleeding, the doctor di...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello, mice: A significant change in stool caliber is a common complaint, with hemorrhoids being the most frequent cause. Hemorrhoids can swell, leading to the compression of feces as they pass through the swollen tissue, similar to how cream is piped. Generally, shortening the t...[Read More] Understanding Stool Shape: What Your Bowel Movements Say About Your Health
Understanding Anal Itching: Is It a Sign of Hemorrhoids?
Anal itching Hello: I have been experiencing itching around the anus for several months. I inquired at the pharmacy and was informed that it might be hemorrhoids. I went home and felt around the area, sometimes I could feel a lump and sometimes I couldn't. Initially, applyin...
Dr. Lin Hongmao Reply:
Hello: Anal pruritus is a complex manifestation, and hemorrhoids are just one of the possible causes. I have organized an article regarding anal pruritus for your reference. If you are concerned, please consider visiting an outpatient clinic for examination. Thank you for your qu...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Is It a Sign of Hemorrhoids?
Impact of Toilet Water on Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) If feces fall into the water of the toilet, will it affect the results of a fecal occult blood test (false negative)? Additionally, if there are internal hemorrhoids, can there be blood in the stool, mucus, and narrowing of the stool?
Dr. Lin Hongmao Reply:
Dear Sze_wai: When stool falls into the toilet water, if there is bleeding from the lower rectum or anal area, the results of a fecal occult blood test may yield a false negative. It is important to emphasize that early-stage cancer typically presents no symptoms, and the fecal o...[Read More] Impact of Toilet Water on Fecal Occult Blood Test Results
Understanding Normal Stool Shapes and Sizes: When to Worry?
Stool shape? Hello Dr. Ke, I would like to ask about the normal shape and size of stools. I used to have irregular bowel movements, so my stools were quite large each time. Now that I've changed my habits and am having a bowel movement every day, I've started to observe...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. Although it may sound a bit unpleasant, please imagine the process of piping cream. Yes, the shape of stool is determined by the shape of the anus. While textbooks state that the diameter is about 2.5 cm, it varies from person to person. As lo...[Read More] Understanding Normal Stool Shapes and Sizes: When to Worry?
Understanding Rectovaginal Fistulas: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks
Rectovaginal fistula Hello Doctor: Several years ago, I experienced vaginal flatulence, which surprised me. After researching, I found that it might be a rectovaginal fistula. If that is the case, is treatment necessary? If left untreated, could there be any long-term consequence...
Dr. Qiu Shoutiao Reply:
Typically, a rectovaginal fistula causes feces to pass through the vagina. If there is only vaginal flatulence without feces exiting the vagina, it cannot be confirmed whether a rectovaginal fistula is present, and further examination is required for diagnosis. Common diagnostic ...[Read More] Understanding Rectovaginal Fistulas: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks
Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Gastrointestinal Distress: Causes and Solutions
What is the etiology? In recent months, after several bowel movements, I have noticed that even after wiping with toilet paper multiple times, the anal area still feels unclean. If I continue to wipe, a small amount of feces is still present, and eventually, there are also traces...
Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
1. After using the restroom, if you are unable to clean yourself properly: If possible, it is best to wash the anal area with warm water. If there is any bleeding, you should visit a colorectal surgeon at the hospital to check for conditions such as hemorrhoids with skin breakdow...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Gastrointestinal Distress: Causes and Solutions
Cost and Recovery Time for Surgery on Rectal Polyps and Constipation
The cost of surgery for an external anal polyp and bowel irregularity can vary widely depending on factors such as the healthcare facility, the surgeon's fees, anesthesia, and any additional procedures required. In the United States, the total cost could range from a few tho...
Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
The main causes of rectal bleeding and pain are commonly hemorrhoids (especially mixed hemorrhoids), anal fissures, anal fistulas or abscesses, and tumors, among others. It is essential to identify the cause before discussing treatment and costs. A physical examination in the out...[Read More] Cost and Recovery Time for Surgery on Rectal Polyps and Constipation