Role of the Anal Glands in the Pathogenesis of Anorectal Disease

Potential clinical implications of direction of a trans-sphincteric anal fistula track

“…Anal glands are usually situated at dentate line level12, and only a small proportion actually penetrate the external anal sphincter. However, the glands may occasionally be sited cephalad or caudal to the dentate line13, 14. This might account for the internal openings noted in this study situated either above or below the level of the dentate line.…”

The Treatment of Anal Fistula: ACPGBI Position Statement

“…Lillius [15] studied a large number of anal specimens and concluded that intramuscular glands were not found in all people, but did note a higher incidence of glands in males than in females. Other authors have shown a wide variation in the anatomy and distribution of anal glands and their associated ducts [16,17] with many reporting a preponderance of ducts in the posterior anal canal [16,18,19], possibly explaining the high frequency of the internal opening lying in the midline posteriorly.…”

Anorectal Fistulae: Results of Treatment with Cauterization

“…It may be argued that cauterization does not deal with the sidetracks of a fistula. However, the epithelial elements were demon strated to exist exclusively in the 'head track' in the cen tral and intersphincteric spaces [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. The sidetracks are inflammatory extensions spreading from the head track.…”

“…The cause of the tendency of perianal suppurations to persist and fistulize is controversial. Some investigators relate this to infection of the anal glands [1][2][3][4], while others could demonstrate the presence of epithelial debris of the anorectal sinus in the Fistulous track [5][6][7][8].Various methods are adopted for the treatment of anorectal Fistulae [9][10][11][12][13] Accepted: July 13. 1994 [14,15,18,19].…”