The rectum is the most distal segment of the large intestine, continuous proximally with the sigmoid colon and terminating at the anal canal. The anal canal is the final segment of the gastrointestinal tract and has an important role in defecation and maintaining faecal continence.
The anorectum is prone to malignant and inflammatory conditions, much like the rest of the bowel. Moreover, conditions such as anal fissures, haemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse can also cause significant distress for the patient and should be identified promptly and managed appropriately.
