As a child I had what my mother called rectal dilation. What is this? And why would it be performed?
Rectal dilation is a medical procedure used to treat narrowing or constriction (stenosis) of the rectum. This narrowing can make it difficult to pass stool, leading to constipation, pain, and other complications.
Causes of Rectal Stenosis:
-
Anorectal surgeries: Surgical procedures, especially those for hemorrhoids or anal fissures, can sometimes lead to scarring and narrowing of the anal canal or rectum.
-
Trauma: Injury to the rectum can lead to scarring and narrowing.
-
Congenital anomalies: Some children may be born with a narrow rectum or anal canal.
-
Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions like Crohn's disease can cause inflammation and subsequent scarring and narrowing.
Procedure of Rectal Dilation:
-
During rectal dilation, a medical instrument (often a set of dilators of increasing size) is inserted into the rectum to gently stretch and expand the narrowed portion. This makes the rectal passage wider, helping to alleviate symptoms.
-
The procedure might need to be repeated several times, especially if the stenosis is significant.
Why it might be performed in children:
-
Hirschsprung's Disease: This is a congenital condition where a portion of the bowel lacks the nerve cells required to push stool along, leading to severe constipation and obstruction. If surgery is performed to treat it, stenosis can sometimes occur post-operatively, necessitating dilation.
-
Anorectal malformations: Some children are born with abnormalities in the structure of the anus and rectum, which might require surgical intervention and subsequent dilations.
If rectal dilation was performed on you as a child, it's essential to understand the specific reasons and context in which it was done. Your mother or childhood medical records might provide more precise details. If you have concerns or experience symptoms now, it's essential to consult with a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon.