This volume comprehensively describes the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and modalities of treatment of one of the most complex and debated clinical conditions in coloproctology: anal fistulas and abscesses. It also debates current controversies and presents the best approaches based on the authors’ clinical expertise. Providing an in-depth understanding of the anal canal anatomy and surrounding area, it enables readers to manage anal sepsis and avoid excessive damage, in particular to the anal sphincters. Further, the book presents insights into the pathophysiological processes (in cryptoglandular and Crohn’s disease) causing abscess and fistula, which have a significant impact on the management of these conditions. It also discusses diagnostic assessments crucial for selecting the optimal surgical technique and offers guidance on the timing. Lastly, it assesses the pros and contras of the various surgical procedures, evaluating the possible outcome in terms of both therapeutic success and detrimental effects on the anorectal functions. As such it is a valuable resource for all physicians involved in the management of anal fistulas and abscesses (coloproctologists, general surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists).

This is the first volume in the new Springer Major Reference Work series entitled Coloproctology. The book covers key topics in the anatomy and physiology of the colon, rectum and anus and the diagnosis of colorectal/anal diseases and disorders. It thus forms a sound basis for further volumes in the series that will focus on the treatment of more specific clinical conditions. The subjects addressed in the volume are crucial to effective patient management and the book highlights the fact that adequate diagnostic assessment of a given disease is significantly related to the pathophysiologic interpretation of the pathologic process. The purpose of the volume is to provide readers with up-to-date knowledge on colorectal and anal anatomy and physiology, particularly from a treatment perspective and to describe the methodology to be employed in choosing the best diagnostic work-up in coloproctology.

This volume comprehensively describes the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and modalities of treatment of one of the most complex and debated clinical conditions in coloproctology: anal fistulas and abscesses. It also debates current controversies and presents the best approaches based on the authors’ clinical expertise. Providing an in-depth understanding of the anal canal anatomy and surrounding area, it enables readers to manage anal sepsis and avoid excessive damage, in particular to the anal sphincters. Further, the book presents insights into the pathophysiological processes (in cryptoglandular and Crohn’s disease) causing abscess and fistula, which have a significant impact on the management of these conditions. It also discusses diagnostic assessments crucial for selecting the optimal surgical technique and offers guidance on the timing. Lastly, it assesses the pros and contras of the various surgical procedures, evaluating the possible outcome in terms of both therapeutic success and detrimental effects on the anorectal functions. As such it is a valuable resource for all physicians involved in the management of anal fistulas and abscesses (coloproctologists, general surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists).

This is the first volume in the new Springer Major Reference Work series entitled Coloproctology. The book covers key topics in the anatomy and physiology of the colon, rectum and anus and the diagnosis of colorectal/anal diseases and disorders. It thus forms a sound basis for further volumes in the series that will focus on the treatment of more specific clinical conditions. The subjects addressed in the volume are crucial to effective patient management and the book highlights the fact that adequate diagnostic assessment of a given disease is significantly related to the pathophysiologic interpretation of the pathologic process. The purpose of the volume is to provide readers with up-to-date knowledge on colorectal and anal anatomy and physiology, particularly from a treatment perspective and to describe the methodology to be employed in choosing the best diagnostic work-up in coloproctology.