Correct use of anal dilator

When using an anal dilator, you should pay attention to the force to avoid anal rupture caused by excessive force, which may lead to anal infection and other problems. When using an anal dilator, you should be anesthetized, then insert one into the anus, and then slowly add more, constantly stimulating the anal sphincter, so as to adjust the anal closure. You can learn about how to use the anal dilator.

Benefits of anal dilation

1Treatment of anal fissures and internal hemorrhoids

By dilating the anus, the internal and external sphincters of the anal canal are relaxed, so anal fissures and internal hemorrhoids can be treated, and it also has a therapeutic effect on partial anal canal stenosis. Anal dilation before surgery can relax the anus fully, provide a clear surgical field of view, and facilitate surgery.

2. Stimulate anal defecation

Simple anal dilation can stimulate the anal defecation reflex, so anal dilation can be used to stimulate defecation in patients with intestinal obstruction. Of course, the effect is better when combined with enema. It promotes gastrointestinal motility, is good for the stomach and intestines, and avoids stenosis after anal surgery.

Methods of anal dilation

1Traditional anal dilation

Under local anesthesia, first insert one finger into the anus, then two fingers, using a combination of hard and soft forces to slowly expand the back edge of the anus, then slowly expand the front edge of the anus with two fingers again, and the anus gradually relaxes. Then insert three fingers, and finally four fingers, and pull the anus forward, backward, left and right for 4 to 5 minutes to relax the anal sphincter.

2Four-finger anal dilation

The patient lies on his left side with his knees bent, his right leg flexed ≥ 90°, and his left leg about 45°. The anus was exposed and routinely disinfected. 1% lidocaine was used for infiltration anesthesia at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, and deep fan-shaped anesthesia was performed on the sphincter at 6 o'clock. Massage the anus to evenly distribute the lidocaine solution. Perform the four-finger anal dilation technique, using a combination of hard and soft finger force, knead deeply towards the 6 o'clock position, and use rotational force to expand the subcutaneous part of the external sphincter and the lower surface of the internal sphincter downward and outward.

3. Single-finger anal dilation

Wear gloves and apply 2% tetracaine ointment on the index finger to lubricate it, then slowly insert the index finger into the anus until the end of the index finger is inserted. Gently turn around and press the anus to dilate it. Be gentle and avoid violent anal dilation. Each time should be about 3 to 5 minutes. Finally, insert a hemorrhoidal suppository into the anus. Do this every other day for two weeks.

How to care after anal dilation surgery

Liquid food was given within 3 days after surgery, and then gradually changed to semi-liquid food, soft food, and normal food. Dressing changes began on the second day after surgery, and thereafter potassium permanganate solution was used for sitz baths and dressing changes every day and after bowel movements.

Notice:

1. It is advisable to eat foods that are easy to digest and have a soft texture.

2. Strive to have smooth bowel movements and eat foods rich in fiber, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, white fungus, kelp, etc.

3. It is advisable to consume foods that have a laxative effect, such as pears, bananas, spinach, honey, sesame oil and other vegetable oils and animal oils.

4. It is advisable to choose foods with a cool texture, such as: cucumber, bitter gourd, winter melon, watermelon, lotus root, bamboo shoots, celery, spinach, lettuce, wild rice stem, water spinach, eggplant, loofah, mushroom, duck eggs, duck meat, etc., to avoid bloody stools.

Notes on anal dilation

1. First of all, the anesthesia must be complete. If the anesthesia is not good, the patient will feel great pain during anal dilation, the sphincter will not relax enough, and symptoms of anal canal tear will occur.

2. The anal dilation action should be gentle. Avoid violent and rapid stretching of the anus, as it can easily cause multiple tears of the mucosa and anal canal. Instead, apply force gradually, starting with inserting two fingers into the anus, and then adding fingers one by one. Each additional finger should last about 5 minutes. It is usually appropriate to insert six fingers.

3. When dilating the anus, it is best for men to expand it in the forward and backward directions to avoid contact between the fingers and the ischial tuberosity and affect the dilation of the anus. Because women have wider pelvises, they can expand their anus forward, backward, left and right.

4. Anal dilation at home does not require local anesthesia and can be performed using an anal dilator.