Epidemiological features of proctological disease are not well known because available studies have provided variable conclusions. Risk factors frequently mentioned include heredity, high socioeconomic level,
obesity, smoking, a diet rich in
fats, alcohol, spices and pepper as well low fluid intake have all been implicated. While treating patients with various ano-rectal pathologies, apart from definitive treatment, various additional or supportive
therapies are being advised both by the family physicians and surgeons. These include local applications, sitz
baths, modification in the diet and life style. But are these supportive
therapies really beneficial or they are just empirical? This paper elaborates the various supportive
therapies advocated in the common anal disorders like
hemorrhoids,
anal fissure and
fistula and summarizes the advantages and pitfalls of these treatment additives.