In the second of a two-part series, Anthony Summers discusses the management by nurse practitioners of haemorrhoids, anal fissure and pruritus ani

This is the second of two articles about the kinds of anorectal problem with which people can present at emergency departments. The first article concerns common symptoms and anorectal examination, while this one discusses the diagnosis and treatment of three common anorectal problems that can be managed by nurse practitioners: haemorrhoids, anal fissure and pruritus ani. Unexpected diagnoses might be found on examination and nurse practitioners should refer these patients to appropriate specialists.