3. What is the functional anatomy of haemorrhoids?
Correct answer: Continence is partly a function of the anal sphincters, and partly a consequence of the anal cushions. The anal cushions comprise highly vascular tissue lining the anal canal, with a rich blood supply from the rectal arteries, which…
2. Can a bleeding duodenal ulcer cause bright red rectal bleeding?
Correct answer: Rarely, massive haemorrhage from higher up the alimentary canal – even a bleeding duodenal ulcer – may produce bright red blood per rectum instead of the usual melaena, although such cases are commonly accompanied by haematemesis.
1. What are the causes of bright red rectal bleeding?
Correct answer: The passage of bright red blood per rectum is a common symptom, which the patient usually attributes to ‘piles’; indeed, haemorrhoids are by far the commonest cause of rectal bleeding. It is important, however, to bear in mind…
