Ching Luen Ng1. 1. Kowloon West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, China. chingluen@yahoo.com.hk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although anorectal symptoms are a common problem seen in general practice, general practitioners may sometimes encounter patients presenting with anorectal pain without a detectable cause. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses a case of recurrent anorectal pain in a young woman due to levator ani syndrome, and the current evidence for treatment of levator ani syndrome. DISCUSSION: Levator ani syndrome usually presents with recurrent or chronic rectal pain without detectable organic pathology. Digital massage, sitz bath, muscle relaxants, electrogalvanic stimulation and biofeedback are the treatment modalities most frequently described in the literature.
BACKGROUND: Although anorectal symptoms are a common problem seen in general practice, general practitioners may sometimes encounter patients presenting with anorectal pain without a detectable cause. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses a case of recurrent anorectal pain in a young woman due to levator ani syndrome, and the current evidence for treatment of levator ani syndrome. DISCUSSION: Levator ani syndrome usually presents with recurrent or chronic rectal pain without detectable organic pathology. Digital massage, sitz bath, muscle relaxants, electrogalvanic stimulation and biofeedback are the treatment modalities most frequently described in the literature.