Video library

Colorectal health, explained

43 short videos on the conditions patients ask about most — what they are, why they happen, and what treatment actually involves. Recorded and reviewed by Dr. Kamrava.

• SRUS (Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome): Causes and Non-Surgical FixesSolitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome (SRUS) is a benign (non-cancerous) disorder tied to the physical mechanics of defecation. Symptoms include bleeding, pain, straining, or tenesmus. The cause is mechanical: repeated straining causes the upper rectum to fold down into the lower part (internal telescoping), leading to friction and ulcers or irritated tissue. A definitive diagnosis requires an endoscopy and a biopsy, which identifies specific microscopic scar tissue in the rectal wall. For the vast majority of patients, the treatment is non-surgical. The goal is to fix the mechanical root cause by reducing straining through diet changes, bowel retraining, and pelvic floor physical therapy. Surgery is rarely the primary solution, reserved only for severe structural issues like a deep internal prolapse that cannot be fixed otherwise.
• Anal Cancer: Modern Treatment & Favorable OutlookThis explainer provides an overview of anal cancer, defining it as cancer starting in the anus, differentiated by location (anal canal vs. perianal area). Approximately 85% of cases are Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the major driver behind most cases. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, biopsy (the only way to know for sure), imaging scans (CT/PET), and staging (TNM system: Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis). The modern standard of care is combination chemo-radiotherapy, which is highly successful and means that major surgery is typically avoided for the vast majority of patients. Post-treatment, careful monitoring is required for 5 years. The outlook is described as "imminently curable" with "favorable outcomes".
• Abnormal Cells and HPV: Understanding AINThis video explains Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN), a condition where cells in the anal canal lining appear abnormal. It is defined as a precancerous condition and is very similar to cervical dysplasia. AIN is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18. Cell changes exist on a spectrum, classified as low-grade lesions (LSIL) or high-grade lesions (HSIL), with doctors primarily focusing on treating HSIL to prevent progression to cancer. Diagnosis starts with anal cytology (similar to a Pap smear). If abnormal cells are found, a High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) and biopsy are performed for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment options are personalized: low-grade AIN often involves observation, while high-grade AIN is treated by removing abnormal cells using topical or ablative therapy. Long-term surveillance and follow-up are essential due to the potential for recurrence. The HPV vaccine is highlighted as a powerful tool for prevention.