الفهرس 
ANATOMY OF THE RECTUM AND ANAL CANALOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Fistulography does not diagnose abscesses in relation to
fistulous tracts and the actual relation of the primary tract to the
anal and perianal structures could not be defined.
Rectal ultrasonography could supply us with information
about fistulous tracks especially intersphincteric and
transsphincteric varieties. However it cannot detect
extrasphincteric and suprasphincteric tracks or differentiate
Secondary supralevator and infralevater tracks. Residual scars
or defects will confuse ultrasonographic interpretation and
differentiation from anal fistulae. Rectal ultrasonography is an
inexpensive simple technique well tolerated by the patient,
however more refinement and experience by the operator is
needed for comprehensive assessment of difficult anal fistulae.
MRI is a real achievement in the diagnosis of difficult
anal fistulae, tracts whether primary or secondary can be
visualized, abscesses detected, definite relation to anal
musculature as well as the levator ani muscles can be achieved.
MRI is without radiation hazards however it is highly
expensive and so its routine use is not advised especially in the
simple subcutaneous or low varieties which could be easily
assessed by proctological examination further more these
fistulae are commonly too short so that they escape MRI diagnosis.