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Hemorroids overview

In the upper anal canal, the hemorrhoids cushions are composed of three submucosal pillars of sinusoids within connective tissue, generally in the left lateral, right anterior, and right posterior. During the act of defecation, the hemorrhoids cushions become engorged with blood, cushioning the anal canal and supporting the anal canal lining. The pathologic term hemorrhoids is used to describe the downward displacement of the cushion along with dilation of the contained sinusoids and sometimes bleeding from the arteriole, venule, or sinusoidal portion.Hence, hemorrhoids develop when the supporting tissues of the anal cushion deteriorate or with extensive downward pressure, as in prolonged straining at stool or pregnancy.

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids

Thrombosis is a fairly common complication of hemorrhoids disease. Most patients give no history of straining or physical exertion and do not have histories of hemorrhoids disease. The complication develops with an abrupt onset of anal mass,hemorrhoids and pain that peaks within 48 hours. Usually, the pain becomes minimal after the fourth day. Occasionally, the skin overlying the hematoma becomes necrotic, causing bleeding and discharge or infection, which causes further necrosis and more pain. Treatment should be aimed at relief of severe pain, prevention of recurrent clot, and prevention of residual skin tags. If the patient is experiencing severe pain of hemorrhoids at the time of examination, excision should be performed. Conversely, if the pain is already subsiding and the clot is starting to shrink, thrombosis may be managed conservatively with warm sitz baths for comfort, proper anal hygiene, and bulk-producing agents such as bran or psyllium seed. The procedure can often be performed with the use of local anesthesia, and the wound can be left open without packing. Relief of pain is usually immediate. Postoperative care is simple and is aimed at keeping the wound clean with warm sitz baths and washing. An analgesic drug may be required during the first 24 hours. Patients must be warned of a relatively high recurrence rate about 6% after excision and 25% with noninvasive treatment.

Clinical Evaluation of Hemorrhoids Symptoms

Bleeding and protrusion are among the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, Mazier reported on a series of 500 patients with complaints of “hemorrhoids” and found that only one third had any significant hemorrhoids (personal communication). hemorrhoids bleeding typically results in bright red blood that drops into the toilet or is noted on the toilet. It is generally painless. More vigorous bleeding can occur as the hemorrhoids enlarge. Usually, prompt reduction of the protruding mass will cause this bleeding to abate. Acute thromboses of internal or external hemorrhoids are usually associated with severe pain that occurs with a palpable perianal mass. These patients are generally very uncomfortable, and the diagnosis is immediately obvious on clinical examination.

Bipolar Diathermy in Hemorrhoids Treatment

Bipolar diathermy involves the use of electrical current to coagulate the hemorrhoids, including the mucosa and submucosa. The machine generates a 2-second pulse of energy to accomplish the treatment. This approach is applicable for small bleeding hemorrhoids and probably has no greater efficacy than sclerosing.

Other variations on the use of energy to scarify internal hemorrhoids and fix them to underlying tissues includes infrared coagulation and direct current therapy or Ultroid (Microvasive, Boston, MA) therapy. Infrared coagulation uses a tungsten halogen lamp that generates heat energy for 1.5 seconds, resulting in destruction of the mucosa and submucosa at the application site . The depth of penetration of this injury is usually 3 mm. Conversely, the Ultroid uses electrical current that is applied for up to 10 minutes per complex treated. Ultimately, these new modalities are a variation on the theme of local tissue destruction and fixation of the hemorrhoids at the appropriate level.

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