What is Anal stricture?
[[File:Anatomy of human rectum and anus-2.png|thumb|260px|''Anal stricture'' which is rare; is when the anal canal becomes too narrow for normal [[bowel movement]]s; usually after surgery to remove hemohorrhoids.]] '''Anal stricture''' (also called ''anal stenosis'') is a medical problem that is not common; it may be ''[[Congenital defect|congenital]]'' (a baby is born with a medical problem), but usually if it does happen it is after ''anorectal surgery'', which is [[surgery]] in the area of the [[rectum]] and [[anus]]. This may cause ''[[stricture]]'' (when a passage in the body becomes too narrow) of the anal canal, which leads to hard or painful bowel movements. When anal stenosis does occur it is usually after a ''hemorrhoidectomy,'' which is the surgical removal of [[hemorrhoid]]s; this is the cause in 90% of cases of anal stenosis. Mild stenosis can be treated with stool softeners or [[Dietary fiber|fiber]] (which come from plant foods) supplements (in pill or powder form). When the narrowing of the anal canal is not too much, an operation called a ''sphincterotomy'' can be done to correct the problem. This is an operation done on the internal [[anal sphincter]] muscle, a round [[Muscular system|muscle]] inside the anal canal. In cases where the anal canal becomes very narrow, an operation called an ''anoplasty'' is done. This is ''reconstructive surgery'' (also known as ''[[plastic surgery]]'') of the anus.<ref>Eli Ehrenprei: Anal and Rectal Diseases. p.53: (Remedica Publishing); 2003) {{ISBN|1901346676}}</ref> {{clear}} ==References== <references/> [[Category:Diseases and disorders of the digestive system]]