Embarrassing Bodies

Back to the Clinic: Anal Fistula (4x12)

Air date: Apr 22, 2011

The first case back in the clinic is that of Dean, who first came to see Dr Dawn with a bowel problem that was leaving him having to visit the toilet up to 12 times a day. His frequent trips to the loo are leaving him with diarrhoea and occasional blood loss. Dr Dawn thinks that further investigation is needed, and a scope is passed down Dean’s throat and up his bottom to check for any problems, followed by an ultrasound scan which brings up a possible anal fistula, which may be the cause of Dean’s problems. Dean has treatment that involves a balloon being passed up his bottom to retrain his bowel to function normally. Together with some anti-diarrhoea tablets, Dean is on the mend and able to lead a normal life without the worry of regular toilet visits.