[Diagnosis and therapy of anorectal diseases (excluding constipation and venereal diseases)].

In the last couple of years, the anorectum has been of great interest to gastroenterologists. With new diagnostic tools and a refinement of technique, together with new therapeutic modalities, interesting research results have been obtained. These results may be beneficial to patients therapy. The patients history, inspection and palpation of the anorectum remain the basic, essential features of diagnosis. Based on the symptoms and possible differential diagnosis, further investigation is necessary: Anorectal physiology and anal endosonography are also regarded as essential investigative techniques in a colorectal laboratory. Great progress has been made in the medical treatment in proctology in two areas: Biofeedback techniques and botulinum toxin injection. In the following article, definitions, symptoms, diagnosis and therapeutic modalities of common anorectal disorders are described.