The use of intra-operative endo-anal ultrasound in perianal disease

Abstract

Introduction: Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for the structural imaging of anorectal pathology. This study prospectively assessed the impact of intra-operative EAUS on the surgical management of perianal disease. Methods: EAUS was performed prior to and after examination under anaesthesia (EUA) in a consecutive series of patients with perianal disease. The impact of EAUS on the surgery performed was identified. Results: Forty-three procedures have been performed in 38 patients (21 male, 17 female; mean age 42.7 years, range 6-76 years) over a three year period. Pathologies encountered were fistula-in-ano (42%), fissure-in-ano (26%), complicated p..