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Haemorrhoids

Background Knowledge ๐Ÿง 

Definition

  • Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum.

  • They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (outside the anus).

Epidemiology

  • Common condition, affecting both men and women.

  • Incidence increases with age, especially in individuals aged 45-65.

Causes/Risk Factors

  • Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to:
    • Constipation
    • Pregnancy
    • Heavy lifting
  • Straining during bowel movements.

  • Low fibre diet.

  • Chronic diarrhoea.

Clinical Features ๐ŸŒก๏ธ

Clinical Presentation

  • Internal haemorrhoids:
    • Painless rectal bleeding during bowel movements (bright red blood).
    • Protrusion during bowel movement, often self-reducing.
    • May cause mucus discharge, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and rectal itching.
  • External haemorrhoids:
    • Pain and swelling around the anus.
    • Possible blood clot formation leading to a painful, bluish lump (thrombosed external haemorrhoid).

Investigations ๐Ÿงช

Investigations

  • Clinical examination: Inspection and digital rectal examination.

  • Proctoscopy: For internal haemorrhoids.

  • Additional investigations if concerned about other colorectal conditions (e.g., sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy).

Management ๐Ÿฅผ

Management

  • Conservative:

    • High-fibre diet.
    • Topical treatments: Creams, ointments, and suppositories to relieve pain and inflammation.
    • Warm baths.
  • Interventional:
    • Band ligation for internal haemorrhoids.

    • Injection sclerotherapy.

    • Infrared coagulation or electrocoagulation.

    • Surgical haemorrhoidectomy for large or persistently symptomatic haemorrhoids.

Prognosis

  • Many individuals experience relief with conservative measures.

  • Surgical procedures have a high success rate but may be associated with complications like pain, urinary retention, and infection.

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Treatment options for haemorrhoids include:

Phenol mixed in oil is injected in order to sclerose the haemorrhoid.


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