Anal hygienic pad and method of use

Abstract

A method is disclosed for absorbing anal leakage, such as fecal material, blood or flatulence. The method includes positioning an intergluteal absorbent pad external to the anal orifice of a subject such that the pad is retained between the buttocks, and any discharge from the anus is absorbed by the absorbent material of the pad. The pad has a smaller minor portion superimposed on a larger major portion, and the smaller minor portion is inserted as a leading edge between the gluteals of the subject to facilitate insertion by gradually moving the gluteals apart. The smaller minor portion of the pad is positioned against the anal orifice to minimize pressure exerted in this sensitive area, while the larger major portion is retained in the less sensitive intergluteal space. The major portion conforms to the soft tissue of the gluteals, and is large enough to help retain the pad frictionally in place without any adhesive or garment to hold it in place. The pad can have a variety of shapes, including major and minor portions that are portions of spheres or ellipsoids, or which are elongated and have cross-sections that are circular or ellipsoid. Insertion and retention of the pad adjacent to the anus helps alleviate symptoms of the hemorrhoids, absorbs leakage (such as fecal material or medication), and can also be used as a reservoir to administer medication.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the field of anal incontinence, more specifically to a device for absorbing anal leakage or other discharges. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Hemorrhoids are varicosities of anal veins which are common following pregnancy, as one ages, or as a result of a more sedentary lifestyle. Those suffering from hemorrhoids are often not able to use common suppositories or cremes for the relief of itching or pain during the day, because suppositories or cremes can leak during ambulation or when it is not possible to remain supine. Hemorrhoids can also bleed or result in a mucus discharge that can stain clothing. Although any resulting anal discharge (which may include feculent material) may be in small amounts, it can be hygienically and emotionally distressing. [0003] Anal incontinence (the loss of feces and contaminated moisture) or loss of blood from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, are common problems, particularly with activities suc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The pad is used in a method of absorbing anal leakage in a subject by positioning the absorbent pad between the buttocks, external to the subject's anal orifice, such that the pad is retained between and by the buttocks. In this position, any anal or peri-anal discharge is absorbed by the pad. In particular embodiments of this method, the pad is devoid of corners and flat surfaces intermediate its ends, and the pad has a minor portion superimposed on a major portion. The minor portion of the pad has a cross-sectional area or width that is smaller than a cross-sectional area or width of the major portion, and both the minor and the major portions are curvilinear or partially cylindrical in cross-section. The reduced width minor portion facilitates insertion of the pad between the subject's buttocks, separation of the buttocks, and placement of the smaller portion adjacent the anal orifice. The larger major portion is not as close to the sensitive anal orifice, which avoids discomfort caused by the pressure exerted by the larger portion. However the larger portion is more readily frictionally retained between the buttocks, in the intergluteal space, without external attachment devices such as adhesive. In particular embodiments, a method is disclosed for treating hemorrhoids by inserting the pad between the buttocks, against the external anal orifice.

[0010] The pad can be any of a variety of shapes, and particularly shapes which taper toward an anterior or leading edge of the pad. The anterior edge is usually sufficiently wide to be retained outside the anal orifice, but can be sufficiently narrow to extend at least partially within the anus (for example external to the anal valve). The pad is ideally substantially or completely retained exterior to the anus, with the posterior edge impinging against the surrounding buttocks to retain the pad in place. The pad can be symmetric or asymmetric, rounded or elongated, tapering or non-tapering. However particular embodiments taper from a relatively larger posterior portion to a relatively smaller anterior portion. The enlarged posterior portion is ideally large enough to at least slightly deform the surrounding buttocks to improve frictional engagement between the buttocks and the pad. The relatively small anterior portion is closer to the width of the anal orifice, and is more comfortably retained in the narrow intergluteal space adjacent the anus. The pads with a bipartite structure (with a major and minor portion) further enhance the comfort and retention of the pad.

Problems solved by technology

Those suffering from hemorrhoids are often not able to use common suppositories or cremes for the relief of itching or pain during the day, because suppositories or cremes can leak during ambulation or when it is not possible to remain supine.

Hemorrhoids can also bleed or result in a mucus discharge that can stain clothing.

Although any resulting anal discharge (which may include feculent material) may be in small amounts, it can be hygienically and emotionally distressing.

Anal incontinence (the loss of feces and contaminated moisture) or loss of blood from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, are common problems, particularly with activities such as jumping or running.

The loss of even small amounts of discharge from the anus may give rise to a pungent and abhorrent odor, accompanied by a feeling of wetness and / or irritation.

Anal incontinence may lead to the development of other diseases due to the bacteria laden moist environment created by this leakage.

Such secretions and exudations may mix to produce disagreeable odors, and may be accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling of wetness.

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