Operation

What is an anal mariscus?

A mariscus is an excess of skin around the anus. It’s a benign growth and is not painful. It is the same color as the skin, or in some cases a little darker.

Most patients have no symptoms. They may interfere with intimate hygiene or cause irritation and itching.

There is no obligation to excise a mariscus. Excision may be considered if the patient experiences significant discomfort, or for aesthetic reasons.

• Any chronic friction in the anus can induce marisci (friction following exercise, tight clothing, pronounced sitting position).
• Irritation of the anus following chronic diarrhoea with repetitive irritation from toilet paper rubbing.
• Constipation: the skin around the anus is stretched during exoneration.
• Marks secondary to Crohn’s disease.
• Marking of a chronic anal fissure.
• After deflation of a hemorrhoid, excess skin can form a mole.

• Hygiene problems.
• Aesthetic reason.

Resection of a skin tag consists in removing the excess skin around the anus. The wound is not closed, there are no sutures to be removed postoperatively.

A perfectly smooth anus will not always be obtained, often a small unevenness will remain after surgery.

The inflammatory reaction during the healing process may lead to slight scarring.

The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent and presence or absence of underlying pathology.

The procedure is much less painful than a hemorrhoid resection.

Healing takes place after 2 to 3 weeks. The first 5 days are the most painful.

Complications are very rare.

Incontinence

• There is no risk of incontinence.

Constipation

• Postoperatively, patients may be constipated, due to spasm of the anal sphincter and pain. Laxatives and stool softeners are frequently prescribed.

Chronic anal fissure

• An anal fissure may develop if the open wound does not heal.

Bleeding

• Bleeding is rare. The wound may secrete a light bloody wound fluid that disappears after a few days.
• Continuous bleeding is extremely rare. The risk of bleeding is especially present during the first week.

Local infection

• Incidence : < 2%

The inflammatory reaction during the healing process may lead to mild scarring.

Normal symptoms

• Postoperative anal pain is normal but should subside over time.
• Serous (yellowish) anal fluid loss
• Wound fluid may be bloody, but should subside over time.

Abnormal symptoms

Contact your surgeon or GP, or go to the emergency room:

• If pain increases over time.
• If fever does not subside over time.
• If pus volume increases or foul smelling viscous fluid increases.
• If blood loss persists.

If certain symptoms seem abnormal to you contact your doctor.

If this is not possible, you can contact avec your surgeon.

If you are unable to contact your GP or your surgeon, go to the emergency department at St Elizabeth Hospital in Uccle.

No effect on incontinence.