Hemorrhoids

On this page

Hemorrhoids 101 - Piles Primer

  • Definition: Symptomatic, engorged vascular cushions in the anal canal.
  • Anal Cushions: Normal submucosal structures (left lateral, right anterior, right posterior). Contain AV shunts.
  • Types (based on relation to Dentate Line):
    • Internal: Proximal to dentate line. Columnar epithelium. Visceral innervation (painless).
      • Goligher's Classification:
        • Grade I: Bleeding, no prolapse.
        • Grade II: Prolapse on straining, reduces spontaneously.
        • Grade III: Prolapse, requires manual reduction.
        • Grade IV: Irreducible prolapse, may strangulate.
    • External: Distal to dentate line. Squamous epithelium. Somatic innervation (painful).
  • Etiology: Straining, constipation, pregnancy, portal hypertension, prolonged sitting.

⭐ The primary locations of internal hemorrhoids are right anterior (11 o'clock), right posterior (7 o'clock), and left lateral (3 o'clock) in lithotomy position.

Internal and External Hemorrhoids with Dentate Line

Etiology & Symptoms - Strain & Pain Story

  • Etiology (The "Strain" Factors):

    • Chronic straining: constipation, diarrhea
    • ↑ Intra-abdominal pressure: pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, chronic cough
    • Prolonged sitting, low-fiber diet
    • Age-related connective tissue degeneration
    • Family predisposition
    • 📌 Mnemonic: "PUSH" (Pregnancy/Pressure, Urge/straining, Sitting prolonged, Hard stools)
  • Symptoms (The "Pain & Bleed" Story):

    • Painless rectal bleeding: Bright red blood on stool/tissue, or dripping. (Most common)

      ⭐ Internal hemorrhoids typically present with painless bleeding; pain suggests thrombosis (external/internal) or strangulation (prolapsed internal).

    • Anal pain/discomfort: Especially if thrombosed or strangulated.
    • Pruritus ani (itching)
    • Perianal mass/lump (palpable)
    • Mucous discharge
    • Sensation of incomplete defecation

Diagnosis & DDx - Anal Detective Work

  • Diagnosis:

    • History: Painless bright red rectal bleeding (on tissue/stool), prolapse, discomfort, pruritus.
    • Perianal Inspection: External hemorrhoids, prolapsed internal, skin tags, fissures.
    • DRE: Assess tone, rule out mass. Internal hemorrhoids usually not palpable unless thrombosed.
    • Anoscopy/Proctoscopy: Confirms diagnosis; visualizes & grades internal hemorrhoids.
  • Differential Diagnosis:

    • Anal Fissure (severe pain with defecation)
    • Colorectal Cancer (red flags: weight loss, altered bowel habits, older age)
    • IBD (diarrhea, abdominal pain)
    • Rectal Prolapse

⭐ Proctosigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy may be needed in patients >40 years or with red flags to exclude malignancy.

Management Matrix - Taming the Troubles

  • Conservative (Grade I, uncomplicated II): 📌 Mnemonic: WASH
    • Water (Sitz baths: warm, 15 min, TID)
    • Analgesics/Topicals (anesthetics, steroids - short term, venotonics e.g., Daflon)
    • Stool softeners & ↑Fluids
    • High-fiber diet (25-35g/day), avoid straining.
  • Office Procedures (Grade I-II refractory, select III):
    • Rubber Band Ligation (RBL): Most common, effective.
    • Sclerotherapy: Injection (e.g., 5% Phenol in oil).
    • Infrared Coagulation (IRC).
  • Surgical (Grade III refractory, Grade IV, complications e.g., thrombosis, strangulation):
    • Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy:
      • Milligan-Morgan (open): Leaves wounds open for secondary intention.
      • Ferguson (closed): Primary wound closure.
    • Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH/Longo): For circumferential prolapse. Reduces pain, faster recovery.
    • Doppler-guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL) +/- Recto-Anal Repair (RAR).
  • Acute Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid:
    • Conservative: Pain relief, sitz baths, stool softeners.
    • Excision if severe pain & within 48-72 hours of onset.

⭐ Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy is an open technique leaving wounds for secondary intention healing, while Ferguson is a closed technique with primary wound closure anastamosis of rectal mucosa to anodermis .

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Internal hemorrhoids are typically painless with bright red bleeding; external hemorrhoids are painful.
  • Grading (I-IV) of internal hemorrhoids is key for selecting appropriate management.
  • Conservative treatment (high-fiber diet, sitz baths) is first-line for early grades.
  • Rubber band ligation is a common, effective OPD procedure for Grade II and III internal hemorrhoids.
  • Surgical hemorrhoidectomy (e.g., Milligan-Morgan) is reserved for Grade III/IV or complicated cases.
  • Acute thrombosed external hemorrhoid presents as a painful perianal lump; consider excision if presenting within 72 hours.

Practice Questions: Hemorrhoids

Test your understanding with these related questions

Bleeding in rupture of the uterus associated with a large broad ligament hematoma is controlled most simply by :

1 of 5

Flashcards: Hemorrhoids

1/10

_____ is the most common complication following hemorrhoidectomy.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ is the most common complication following hemorrhoidectomy.

Urinary retention

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial