ABSTRACT
Even though functional disorders of the lower GI tract do not usually constitute an emergency on a par with trauma or bleeding, these problems will cause a physician in training to pause on many occasions [1]. The major categories of functional disorders are constipation and anal incontinence. A significant number of health care dollars is spent annually on the diagnosis and treatment of these problems. As the population ages, individuals will be seen in the emergency department with the extreme consequences of these problems. Therefore, it is helpful to have a basic plan readily available for evaluation and treatment of these problems [2].
