ABSTRACT

Hemorrhoids are normal vascular structures in the anal canal. However, they are often the source of a variety of problems. The cardinal features of hemorrhoidal disease include bleeding, anal pruritus, prolapse, and pain due to thrombosis. Several options are available for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease, and most patients will have relief with conservative (diet, sitz bath) or mucosal fixation methods (rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy). Surgery is successful for initial therapy in selected patients, in those whose symptoms are refractory to more conservative.