Hemorrhoids Questions & Answers

Updated: May 31, 2022
  • Author: Kyle R Perry, MD; Chief Editor: John Geibel, MD, MSc, DSc, AGAF  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are hemorrhoids?

Which therapies have been used in the past to treat hemorrhoids?

What is the anatomy of hemorrhoids?

What is the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of decreased venous return in the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of constipation in the etiology of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of pregnancy in the etiology of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of portal hypertension in the etiology of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of anorectal varices in the etiology of hemorrhoids?

Which factors increase the risk of hemorrhoids?

What causes the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids?

What causes the symptoms of external hemorrhoids?

What is the prevalence of hemorrhoids?

Which patient groups have the highest prevalence of hemorrhoids?

What is the prognosis of hemorrhoids?

What are the possible complications of hemorrhoid surgery?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of hemorrhoids?

What are the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids?

What is included in the physical exam of hemorrhoids?

How is a digital rectal exam performed to evaluate hemorrhoids?

Which physical findings are characteristic of hemorrhoids?

What are the guidelines for evaluation of hemorrhoids?

How are internal hemorrhoids graded?

DDX

Which conditions are associated with hemorrhoids?

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of hemorrhoids?

What are the differential diagnoses for Hemorrhoids?

Workup

Which procedures are performed in the workup of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of blood studies in the workup of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of anoscopy in the workup of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of flexible sigmoidoscopy in the workup of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of proctoscopy in the workup of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of colonoscopy in the workup of hemorrhoids?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of hemorrhoids?

Treatment

How are asymptomatic hemorrhoids treated?

How are the symptoms of hemorrhoids classified prior to treatment?

What are the guidelines on the treatment of hemorrhoids?

How are internal hemorrhoids treated?

How are external hemorrhoids treated?

Why is the treatment of hemorrhoids controversial?

What is included in emergency department (ED) care of hemorrhoids?

What is included in the conservative management of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of warm baths in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of antidiarrheal medications in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of stool softeners in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of topical medications in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

Which nonsurgical procedures are used in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids?

What are the contraindications to nonsurgical procedures for internal hemorrhoids?

What is the role of rubber band ligation in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of infrared coagulation in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of electrocautery in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

Which novel techniques have been used in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of sclerotherapy in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of laser therapy in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

How is an acute hemorrhoidal crisis treated?

What is the role of thromboses excision in the treatment of external hemorrhoids?

What is the role of hemorrhoidectomy in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What are the benefits of laser hemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of PPH in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD Doppler) in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is the role of hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) and rectoanal repair (RAR) (HAL with mucopexy) in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

What is included in long-term monitoring of hemorrhoids?

What is include in patient education about hemorrhoids?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of hemorrhoids?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesics are used in the treatment of Hemorrhoids?

Which medications in the drug class Mild astringent are used in the treatment of Hemorrhoids?

Which medications in the drug class Topical anesthetics are used in the treatment of Hemorrhoids?

Which medications in the drug class Stool softeners are used in the treatment of Hemorrhoids?