Anal dilatation in the management of painful defaecation in children.

Painful defaecation is a common and distressing problem in children. A retrospective study has been made of 27 such children who underwent examination under anaesthetic and anal dilatation as part of their overall management. At operation, fifteen were found to have perianal skin inflammation and fissuring. Follow-up was continued where possible until symptoms resolved. The length of follow-up ranged from 1 to 18 months (mean 7 months). At discharge, 21 of the children were cured or substantially better. The author concludes that anal dilatation may help in the management of these children but only as part of an overall strategy of medical care.