Anal tattooing

Anal tattooing is a procedure reserved for patients whose symptoms of anal itchiness impact on their quality of life, in patients where all other non-surgical measures have failed or in patients that have become steroid dependent. The procedure is performed under a regional (spinal) or general anaesthetic and involves the injection of a mixture of methylene blue dye, a steroid and local anaesthetic agents. The effect is one of reduced sensation of the skin around the back passage and in the long term destruction of the nerve endings causing the itchiness.

Benefits of the procedure

This procedure is a very low risk procedure with up to 9 out of 10 people having an improvement or resolution of their symptoms. It can thus be repeated a number of times if successful to keep symptoms under control.

Recovery

After the procedure you will wake up in a hospital room. Anal tattooing is normally performed as a day procedure. You are typically expected to go home once you are eating and drinking, are able to manage any pain and walk unaided and have passed some urine. You can return back to normal activities nearly immediately. The tattoo will be visible for 2-6 weeks.

Risks of the operation

Anal tattooing is generally a safe procedure. Complications with this procedure which are common to all surgical procedures include infection, bleeding, blood clots, heart problems, pneumonia, urinary retention and anaesthetic risks. Complications in relation to this type of surgery include the risk of skin ulceration.