Learn about colorectal conditions including hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, anal fissures, colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and other anorectal disorders treated by Dr. Aisha Akhtar, board-certified colorectal surgeon serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale.
Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus. They are one of the most common anorectal conditions and may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, itching, swelling, and discomfort during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can affect adults of all ages and are often related to increased pressure in the veins of the rectum and anus. Although hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, most cases improve with lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures.
Rectal bleeding refers to the passage of blood from the anus or rectum, which may present as bright red blood on toilet paper, blood coating or mixed within the stool, or blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. While rectal bleeding is commonly caused by benign anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids, it may also reflect more serious pathology involving the rectum or colon, including polyps, inflammatory disease, or colorectal cancer.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid A sudden purple lump near the anus is often caused by a thrombosed hemorrhoid, sometimes described as a purple hemorrhoid, blue hemorrhoid, or “purple anus.” This happens when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, causing swelling, firmness, discoloration, and pain. Patients often notice the lump suddenly after straining, constipation, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or pregnancy. The area may feel like a painful pea, marble, or grape under the skin near the anal opening.
What Is Rectal Prolapse? Rectal prolapse develops when the normal support structures of the rectum weaken, allowing rectal tissue to descend or protrude through the anus. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum loses its normal attachments and descends downward. It may fold inward without becoming visible, involve only the rectal lining, or extend through the anus as a full-thickness prolapse. Rectal prolapse is different from hemorrhoids. Both can cause bleeding or protruding tissue, but they arise from different anatomy and may require different treatment.
Anal Fissure Anatomical illustration of an anal fissure with labeled views of the rectum, anus, and large intestine, including magnified close-up images showing the fissure within the anal canal. An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. It commonly causes sharp pain during bowel movements, burning, and bright red bleeding on the toilet paper or stool. Anal fissures are very common and are often caused by trauma to the anal canal, especially from passing hard stools or repeated irritation.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor do not relax, contract, or coordinate normally. These muscles help support bowel control, bladder control, pelvic support, and normal bowel movements. When the pelvic floor is weak, tight, poorly coordinated, or difficult to control, patients may experience symptoms such as constipation, incomplete emptying, bowel leakage, urgency, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bladder control. Dr. Aisha Akhtar, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Fountain Hills, evaluates and treats pelvic floor-related bowel symptoms, anorectal conditions, and related colorectal concerns.
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from sta... Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time. The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort. ”
“ I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was c... I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I. ”
“ Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific exp... Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met... Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you. ”
“ Friendly office and excellent doctor ”
“ Dr. Aktar was highly recommended by my primary care physician as being a good fit for me. We covered much during this initial visit and all set for... Dr. Aktar was highly recommended by my primary care physician as being a good fit for me. We covered much during this initial visit and all set for a colonoscopy next month. ”
“ Very professional & kind ! ”
“ Aisha Akhtar is truly the best and very gifted at what she does. Not only was she very friendly and put me at ease, but all the knowledge she has m... Aisha Akhtar is truly the best and very gifted at what she does. Not only was she very friendly and put me at ease, but all the knowledge she has makes you feel like you’re in the right hands. Speedy recovery and no issues at all, highly recommend her! ”
“ I’m so grateful I found this doctor. She’s exceptionally thorough and brilliantly well spoken. She was answering questions before I had a chance to... I’m so grateful I found this doctor. She’s exceptionally thorough and brilliantly well spoken. She was answering questions before I had a chance to ask them. After multiple trials and errors I feel like I’ve finally landed in the right place and in caring hands. She’s also sensitive to your sensitivities and offers different treatments accordingly. What impressed me most is the fact that she studied my case before I even showed up. You’d expect that from all doctors. You’d be mistaken in doing so. A true medical professional. ”
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