2. ● Cushions of submucosal tissue containing
venules, arterioles, and smooth muscle fibers that
are located in the anal canal
● Function as part of the continence mechanism
and aid in complete closure of the anal canal at
rest
● 3 hemorrhoidal cushions:
○ Left lateral (3 o’clock)
○ Right posterior (7 o’clock)
○ Right anterior (11 o’clock)
● Excessive straining, increased abdominal
pressure, and hard stools increase venous
engorgement of the hemorrhoidal plexus and
cause prolapse of the hemorrhoidal tissue
● Bleeding, thrombosis, and symptomatic prolapse
Hemorrhoids
4. Pathophysiology
● Thompson’s vascular cushion theory
○ Normal hemorrhoidal tissue represents discrete masses of
submucosa
○ During straining, the vascular cushions can become engorged and
possibly prevent the escape of fecal material or gas
○ With passage of time, the anatomic structures supporting the
muscular submucosa weaken, allowing hemorrhoidal tissue to slip
or prolapse, leading to hemorrhoidal symptoms
● Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
○ Enzymes present in extracellular space and can degrade collagen,
elastin, and fibronectin
○ MMP-9: overexpressed in hemorrhoid tissue in association with
breakdown of elastic fibers
6. History
● Changes in bowel habits
● Rectal bleeding
○ Nature
○ Color
○ Intensity
● Pain
○ Intensity
○ Frequency
○ Duration
● Protrusion or swelling in the rectal area
7. Clinical Manifestations
TYPE DESCRIPTION AND MANIFESTATIONS
Internal
hemorrhoids
● Located proximal to the dentate line
● Covered by insensate anorectal mucosa
● May prolapse or bleed, but rarely become painful unless they
develop thrombosis and necrosis
● Graded according to the extent of prolapse
External
hemorrhoids
● Located distal to the dentate line
● Covered by anoderm
● A skin tag may remain after healing
● External hemorrhoids and skin tags may cause itching and difficulty
with hygiene if they are large.
Combined
internal and
external
hemorrhoids
● Straddle the dentate line and have characteristics of both internal
and external hemorrhoids
● Hemorrhoidectomy: often required for large, symptomatic,
combined hemorrhoids
8. Internal Hemorrhoids
GRADE DESCRIPTION
I Protrudes through anal
canal, but not beyond
the anal verge
II Protrusion, but with
spontaneous reduction
III Protrusion requiring
manual reduction
IV Protrusion that can’t be
reduced (at risk for
strangulation)
Luchtefeld, M., Hoedema, R.E. (2016). Hemorrhoids. In: Steele, S., Hull, T., Read, T., Saclarides, T.,
Senagore, A., Whitlow, C. (eds) The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_12
9. Clinical Manifestations
TYPE DESCRIPTION AND MANIFESTATIONS
Internal
hemorrhoids
● Located proximal to the dentate line
● Covered by insensate anorectal mucosa
● May prolapse or bleed, but rarely become painful unless they
develop thrombosis and necrosis
● Graded according to the extent of prolapse
External
hemorrhoids
● Located distal to the dentate line
● Covered by anoderm
● A skin tag may remain after healing
● External hemorrhoids and skin tags may cause itching and difficulty
with hygiene if they are large.
Combined
internal and
external
hemorrhoids
● Straddle the dentate line and have characteristics of both internal
and external hemorrhoids
● Hemorrhoidectomy: often required for large, symptomatic,
combined hemorrhoids
10. Physical Examination
● Focus on the abdomen, groin and
perianal area
● Supine →prone jack knife or left
lateral position
● Inspection
● Digital rectal exam
○ Masses
○ Pain
○ Sphincter tone
Luchtefeld, M., Hoedema, R.E. (2016). Hemorrhoids. In: Steele, S., Hull, T., Read, T., Saclarides, T.,
Senagore, A., Whitlow, C. (eds) The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_12
11. Diagnostics
● Anoscopy, rigid proctosigmoidoscopy, and/or flexible sigmoidoscopy
● American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society for
Surgery of the Alimentary Tract guidelines: bright red rectal bleeding →
anoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy
13. Anoscopy
● Examination of the anal canal and the
distal rectum
● Best way to evaluate the anoderm, dentate
line, internal and external hemorrhoids,
papillae, fissures, anal masses, and distal
rectal mucosa
● Anoscope
○ Obturator
○ Scope
○ Light source
● The examination is initiated only after DRE
has been performed.
● Enema is not warranted
● Prone jackknife or left lateral position
Davis, K., Valente, M.A. (2016). Endoscopy. In: Steele, S., Hull, T., Read, T., Saclarides, T., Senagore, A., Whitlow, C. (eds)
The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25970-3_4
14. Rigid Proctoscopy
● Suitable to examine the rectum
● Proctoscope needs to hold air so the rectum
can be distended
● Enema preparation within 2 hours of the
procedure
● Use has declined in recent years due to
flexible endoscopy
● Indications
○ Identification and precise localization
of rectal lesions
○ Evaluation of rectal bleeding
● Contraindications: painful anorectal
conditions
Davis, K., Valente, M.A. (2016). Endoscopy. In: Steele, S., Hull, T., Read, T., Saclarides, T., Senagore, A., Whitlow, C.
(eds) The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-
25970-3_4
17. Management
Medical Therapy ● First- and second-degree hemorrhoidal bleeding: dietary fiber, stool
softeners, increased fluid intake, avoidance of straining
● Pruritus: improved hygiene
Rubber Band
Ligation
● Persistent bleeding from first-, second-, and selected third-degree
hemorrhoids
● Complications: severe pain if rubber band is placed at or distal to the dentate
line, urinary retention, infection, and bleeding
Infrared
Photocoagulation
● Small first- and second-degree hemorrhoids
● Larger hemorrhoids with a significant amount of prolapse are not effectively
treated with this technique
Sclerotherapy ● First-, second-, and selected third-degree hemorrhoids
● 1-3 ml of sclerosing solution is injected into submucosa of each hemorrhoid
● Few complications
18. Management
Excision of
Thrombosed
External
Hemorrhoids
● Thrombosis can be effectively treated with an elliptical excision under local
anesthesia
● Sitz bath and analgesics
Operative
Hemorrhoidectomy
● Elective resection of symptomatic hemorrhoids
● Based on decreasing blood flow to the hemorrhoidal plexus and excising
redundant anoderm and mucosa
● Closed submucosal hemorrhoidectomy: Parks or Ferguson
hemorrhoidectomy
● Open hemorrhoiddectomy: Milligan and Morgan hemorrhoidectomy
● Whiteheads’s hemorrhoidectomy
● Procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids/Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
● Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation
19. ● The fistula usually originates in the
infected crypt (internal opening) and
tracks to the external opening, usually
the site of prior drainage.
● Majority of fistulas are cryptoglandular
in origin
● Trauma, Crohn’s disease, malignancy,
radiation, or unusual infections may
also produce fistulas
Fistula-in-ano
21. Diagnosis
● Persistent drainage from the internal and /or external
openings
● Indurated tract is often palpable
● External opening is often easily identifiable
● Goodsall’s rule can be used as a guide in determining
the location of the internal opening
○ Fistulas with an external opening anteriorly connect
to the internal opening by a short, radial tract
○ Fistulas with an external opening posteriorly track
in a curvilinear fashion to the posterior midline
○ Exception: if an anterior external opening is >3cm
from the anal margin, such fistulas usuually track
to the posterior midline
22. Parks Classification of Fistula in Ano
Classification Description
Intersphincteric ● Due to a perianal abscess
● Tracks through the distal internal sphincter and
intersphincteric space to an external opening near the
anal verge
Transsphincteric ● Usually results from an ischiorectal fossa abscess
● Extends through both the internal and external
sphincters
Suprasphincteric ● Usually from a supralevator abscess
● Originates in the intersphincteric plane
● Tracks up and around the entire external sphincter
23. Parks Classification of Fistula in Ano
Extrasphincteric ● May arise from foreign body penetration of the rectum,
penetrating injury to the perineum or carcinoma
● Originates in the rectal wall
● Tracks around both sphincters to exit laterally, usually
in the ischiorectal fossa
Classification Description
24. Diagnostics
● Anoscopy: May be required to identify the internal
opening of the fistula
● MRI: Diagnostic imaging of choice for the diagnosis of
fistula-in-ano
● Most patients can undergo surgery even without an
imaging modality
26. Management
Technique Description
Fistulotomy ● Useful in the Majority
● Probe is inserted through the fistula (both openings); then skin and
sphincteric muscles are divided, thereby opening (unroofing) the tract
● Fistulotomy is closed by secondary intention
Seton Placement ● Thick suture placed through fistula tract to allow slow transection of
sphincter muscle
● Made from large, silk suture that is threaded through the fistula tract
to:
○ Allow direct visualization of the tract
○ Allow drainage and promotes fibrosis
○ Cuts through the fistula
● Advantage: avoids complication of incontinence ( in contrast to
fistulotomy)
27. Preferred Techniques
● Simple fistula-in-ano: fistulotomy or unroofing of the fistolous tract
● Complex or high lying fistula-in-ano: seton placement
● LIFT ( Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract): new procedure that
ligates the fistula at the intersphincteric plane (Rojanasakul procedure)
29. Question
1. Type of hemorrhoid that is located proximal to the dentate line and covered by insensate
anorectal mucosa
a. Internal hemorrhoid
b. External hemorrhoid
c. Combined internal and external hemorrhoid
d. All of the above
30. Question
2. Excessive straining, increased abdominal pressure, and hard stools increase venous
engorgement of the hemorrhoidal plexus and cause prolapse of the hemorrhoidal tissue
a. True
b. False
31. Question
3. Prolapse through the anal canal and require manual reduction
a. First-degree
b. Second-degree
c. Third-degree
d. Fourth-degree
32. Question
4. Located distal to the dentate line and covered by anoderm
a. Internal hemorrhoid
b. External hemorrhoid
c. Combined internal and external hemorrhoid
d. All of the above
33. Question
5. According to Thompson’s vascular cushion theory, normal hemorrhoidal
tissue represents discrete masses of submucosa.
a. True
b. False
35. Question
7. Usually results from an ischiorectal fossa abscess and extends through both the
internal and external sphincters
a. Intersphincteric
b. Extrasphincteric
c. Transsphincteric
d. Suprasphincteric
36. Question
8. Diagnostic imaging of choice for the diagnosis of fistula-in-ano
a. MRI
b. Anoscopy
c. Both
d. None of the above
37. Question
9. According to Goodsall’s rule, Fistulas with an external opening anteriorly
connect to the internal opening by a short, radial tract
a. True
b. False
38. Question
10. Usually from a supralevator abscess and tracks up and around the entire external
sphincter
a. Intersphincteric
b. Extrasphincteric
c. Transsphincteric
d. Suprasphincteric
Hinweis der Redaktion
Cushions of submucosal tissue containing venules, arterioles, and smooth muscle fibers that are located in the anal canal
Function as part of the continence mechanism and aid in complete closure of the anal canal at rest
3 hemorrhoidal cushions:
Left lateral (3 o’clock)
Right posterior (7 o’clock)
Right anterior (11 o’clock)
Excessive straining, increased abdominal pressure, and hard stools increase venous engorgement of the hemorrhoidal plexus and cause prolapse of the hemorrhoidal tissue
Bleeding, thrombosis, and symptomatic prolapse may result.
Thompson’s vascular cushion theory states that normal hemorrhoidal tissue represents discrete masses of submucosa. During straining, the vascular cushions can become engorged and possibly prevent the escape of fecal material or gas. With the passage of time, how- ever, the anatomic structures supporting the muscular submu- cosa weaken, allowing the hemorrhoidal tissue to slip or prolapse, leading to typical hemorrhoidal symptoms. Haas et al. noted that supporting tissues can be shown microscopi- cally to deteriorate by the third decade of life
Studies have investigated why this degradation occurs and what are the changes in the local microvasculature. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes present in the extracellular space and can degrade collagen, elastin, and fibronectin. MMP-9 has been found to be overexpressed in hemorrhoid tissue in association with breakdown of elastic fibers. Once the hemorrhoids start to prolapse, the inter- nal sphincter can slow the rate of venous return and increase the hemorrhoid engorgement.
A careful history should be done to guide the clinician to an accurate diagnosis. In addition, it is helpful to know which symptoms bother the patient the most. Part of the history should include the patient’s bowel habits. If a patient has constipation, treatment of the consti- pation will be an important part of the treatment plan. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease need to be considered in patients that have had significant diarrhea. If there has been a significant change in bowel habits, one also has to consider the many possibilities that can lead to this change.
For patients with rectal bleeding, the nature, color, and intensity of the bleeding should be noted. If also accompa- nied by a change in bowel habits, one needs to be suspicious of a malignancy or inflammatory bowel disease.
If pain is a significant component of the presentation, the intensity, frequency, and duration of the pain should be noted. If the pain is severe and described as a tearing sensa- tion primarily at the time of the bowel movement, an anal fissure should be considered. Pain that is constant and has been present for days at a time should elicit consideration of a thrombosed hemorrhoid or perianal abscess as the underlying diagnosis.
Protrusion or swelling in the rectal area can be many differ- ent things. If the protrusion has been present constantly for weeks, months, or even years, it can be something as simple as a skin tag. However, one needs to also be mindful of diag- noses such as condyloma and neoplasm in this situation.
Internal hemorrhoids
May prolapse or bleed, but rarely become painful unless they develop thrombosis and necrosis (usually related to severe prolapse, incarceration, and/or strangulation)
External hemorrhoids
Located below or distal to the dentate line
Covered by anoderm
Because anoderm is richly innervated, thrombosis of an external hemorrhoid may cause significant pain.
It is for this reason that external hemorrhoids should not be ligated or excised w/o adequate local anesthetic
Enlarges secondary to dilation or thrombosis
Skin tag is a redundant fibrotic skin at the anal verge, often persisting as the residua of a thrombosed external hemorrhoid
External hemorrhoids and skin tags may cause itching and difficulty with hygiene if they are large.
bleeding that occurs with hemorrhoids is typically described as bright red in nature with the frequency ranging from rarely to several times per day. The blood can be seen on the toilet paper and in the toilet water, and sometimes patients even describe the sensation of the blood squirting out of the anus. Typically the frequency and severity will increase over time
First-degree hemorrhoids bulge into the anal canal and may prolapse beyond the dentate line on straining.
Second-degree hemorrhoids prolapse through the anus but reduce spontaneously.
Third-degree hemorrhoids prolapse through the anal canal and require manual reduction.
Fourth-degree hemorrhoids prolapse but cannot be reduced and are at risk for strangulation
Internal hemorrhoids
May prolapse or bleed, but rarely become painful unless they develop thrombosis and necrosis (usually related to severe prolapse, incarceration, and/or strangulation)
External hemorrhoids
Located below or distal to the dentate line
Covered by anoderm
Because anoderm is richly innervated, thrombosis of an external hemorrhoid may cause significant pain.
It is for this reason that external hemorrhoids should not be ligated or excised w/o adequate local anesthetic
Enlarges secondary to dilation or thrombosis
Skin tag is a redundant fibrotic skin at the anal verge, often persisting as the residua of a thrombosed external hemorrhoid
External hemorrhoids and skin tags may cause itching and difficulty with hygiene if they are large.
A general physical examination should be conducted with concentration on the abdomen, groin, and perianal area. Typically the patient will be examined in the supine position first before switching to a prone jackknife or left lateral (Sims) position (Figure 12-4). It is important to be as reas- suring as possible during this examination as it is inherently embarrassing and uncomfortable. It is always helpful to explain the steps of the examination so as to minimize sur- prise and discomfort.
The examination begins by gently spreading the buttocks and inspecting the skin, perineum, and the external anal opening. Anal fissures are usually diagnosed just with these simple measures, but if one is not thinking of this possibility, it is easy to miss a fissure. In addition, many other conditions can be identified: dermatitis, fistulas, abscess, anal cancer, skin tags, and condyloma. A digital rectal exam is then per- formed to assess for masses, pain, and sphincter tone. If there is any component of fecal soiling or incontinence, the sphinc- ter tone should also be investigated by asking the patient to voluntarily squeeze during the digital exam.
Patients with anorectal complaints must undergo Anoscopy, rigid proctosigmoidoscopy, and/or flexible sigmoidoscopy (further work-up depends on physical examination, patient age, and history)
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract guidelines: suggest anoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy for bright red rectal bleeding
Anoscopy is the examination of the anal canal and the distal rectum. Anoscopy offers the best way to adequately evaluate the anoderm, dentate line, internal and external hemorrhoids, papillae, fissures, anal masses, and distal rectal mucosa.
The anoscope is a relatively simple instrument consisting of an obturator, the scope itself, and a light source. There exist several variations in type, size, and length of anoscopes available. Additionally, commercially available anoscopes include slotted or beveled styles, reusable or disposable, and lighted or unlighted. The particular type of instrument and light source used are based on individual preference, expense, and prior training (Figure 4-3).
Regardless of the choice of instrument used, the examina- tion is initiated only after a DRE has been performed (if a DRE is unable to be performed secondary to pain, spasm, or stenosis, an anoscopic exam should not be attempted). For most instances, cleansing of the anorectum with an enema is not warranted. The anoscope (with obturator in place) is liberally lubricated and gently and gradually advanced until the instru- ment is fully inserted. It is important to align the anoscope along the anterior–posterior axis of the anus. If unsuccessful due to patient intolerance, remove the scope, reapply lubrica- tion and try again. After successful insertion, the obturator is removed and examination of the anorectum undertaken. The obturator should then be reinserted while the scope still in the anus, and the anoscope is gently rotated to examine a new area.
The prone jackknife position offers good visualization and ease of insertion as well does the lateral position, however, an assistant must retract the buttock if the lateral position is uti- lized. During the examination, the patient is asked to strain while the anoscope is withdrawn to visualize any prolapsing anorectal mucosa or hemorrhoidal tissue. During the anoscopic examination, hemorrhoids may be banded or sclerosing agents injected and biopsies of any suspicious lesions may be obtained. Complications are rare, but may include occasional bleeding from hemorrhoids or inadvertently tearing the anoderm.
Rigid proctoscopy is suitable to examine the rectum, and in some patients, the distal sigmoid colon may also be evaluated. Similar to the anoscope, the proctoscope consists of an obtura- tor, the scope itself, and a light source. Illumination is supplied by a built-in light source and a lens is attached to the external orifice of the scope after the obturator is removed. The main difference between an anoscope is that a proctoscope needs to hold air so the rectum can be distended. This is achieved by having a bellows attached to the scope, which allows for insuf- flation of air to gain better visualization and negotiation of the scope proximally through the rectum. A suction device or cot- ton tipped swabs can be used to remove any endoluminal debris or fluid or to enhance visualization (Figure 4-4). Ideally, the patient should receive an enema preparation within 2 h of the procedure in order to clear any stool, which may make pas- sage of the scope and visualization difficult.
Proctoscopes are available in three sizes, all 25 cm in length. Different luminal diameters include 11, 15, and 19 mm (Figure 4-5). The largest scope is suited best for pol- ypectomy or biopsies in which electrocoagulation may be needed. In most patients, the 15 mm×25 cm scope is ideal for a general inspection. There is also a disposable plastic, self-lighted proctoscope which is available for use.
The procedure can be performed in either the prone jackknife or left lateral position as previously described. When properly performed, the patient feels little to no dis- comfort. Pain may occur with stretching of the rectosig- moid mesentery due to over insufflation of air or the scope hitting the rectal wall. An overzealous examiner trying to advance the scope too quickly or too proximal is the main cause of patient discomfort. Unfortunately, the art of using the rigid proctoscope has declined in recent years due to the ubiquity of flexible endoscopy. The proctoscope how- ever, still has important indications, especially in the iden- tification and precise localization of rectal lesions or in the evaluation of rectal bleeding. Contraindications are similar to anoscopy and include painful anorectal condition such as acute fissure, incarcerated hemorrhoids, recent anorec- tal surgery (<1 month), or anal stenosis
Many patients should also undergo at least a rigid proctos- copy. This allows the surgeon to rule out malignancies or inflammatory conditions that could be mimicking hemor- rhoids. This is especially true in older patients with bleeding, weight loss, anemia, or change in bowel habits.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure wherein a sigmoidoscope is inserted through the anus, the distal colonic mucosa (up to 60 cm from the anal verge) is examined, and any diagnostic or therapeutic maneuvers performed, as needed
Bowel cleaning — The lower part of the colon must be cleaned to permit the endoscopist to see the inside lining of the colon. You will be given specific instructions, with preparation often including a clear liquid diet, laxatives, and use of an enema shortly before the examination.
Medications — Some medications, such as iron preparations, may need to be stopped one to two weeks before the examination. Iron coats the colon, making it difficult to see the lining. If you take these medications, you should ask your healthcare provider if they need to be stopped before the procedure. People who take a blood thinning medication, such as warfarin (brand name: Jantoven), should consult with their clinician regarding the need to stop taking this medication temporarily.
Nonsurgical
Main goal of this treatment is to minimize straining of stool
Warm sitz bath (40 ℃): most effective topical treatment for relief of symptoms (soaking time of 15 minutes)
Supportive: increasing fluid and fiber in the diet, recommending exercise, and adding supplemental fiber agents
Medical: phlebotonics, topical steroids (hydrocortisone)
Procedures
Rubber band ligation (RBL): elastic bands are applied onto an internal hemorrhoid at least 1 cm above the dentate line to cut-off the blood supply (if placed too close to the dentate line, intense pain result postprocedure)
Sclerotherapy: injection of a sclerosing agent into the hemorrhoid, causing the veins to collapse
Surgical
Excision hemorrhoidectomy: surgical excision of hemorrhoids, usually recommended for thrombosed external hemorrhoids
Indicated for the following:
Failure of conservative management
Grade III-IV internal hemorrhoids with severe symptoms
Concomitant anorectal conditions (eg. anal fissure or fistula)
May be done either closed (Parks-Ferguson) or open (Milligan-Morgan) technique
Whitehead hemorrhoidectomy: circumferential excision with mucosal advancement (may result to anal ectropion or whitehead deformity)
Medical therapy
Bleeding from first- and second-degree hemorrhoids often improves with the addition of dietary fiber, stool softeners, increased fluid intake, and avoidance of straining.
Associated pruritus often may improve with improved hygiene.
Many over-the-counter topical medications are desiccants and are relatively ineffective for treating hemorrhoidal symptoms
Rubber band ligation
Persistent bleeding from first-, second-, and selected third-degree hemorrhoids may be treated by rubber band ligation.
Mucosa located 1 to 2 cm proximal to the dentate line is grasped and pulled into a rubber band applier.
After firing the ligator, the rubber band strangulates the underlying tissue, causing scarring and preventing further bleeding or prolapse (Fig. 29-31).
In general, only one or two quadrants are banded per visit.
Severe pain will occur if the rubber band is placed at or distal to the dentate line where sensory nerves are located.
Other complications of rubber band ligation include urinary retention, infection, and bleeding.
Urinary retention occurs in approximately 1% of patients and is more likely if the ligation has inadvertently included a portion of the internal sphincter.
Necrotizing infection is an uncommon, but life-threatening complication.
Severe pain, fever, and urinary retention are early signs of infection and should prompt immediate evaluation of the patient usually with an exam under anesthesia.
Treatment includes debridement of necrotic tissue, drainage of associated abscesses, and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Bleeding may occur approximately 7 to 10 days after rubber band ligation, at the time when the ligated pedicle necroses and sloughs. Bleeding is usually self-limited, but persistent hemorrhage may require exam under anesthesia and suture ligation of the pedicle.
Infrared photocoagulation
Infrared photocoagulation is an effective office treatment for small first- and second-degree hemorrhoids.
The instrument is applied to the apex of each hemorrhoid to coagulate the underlying plexus.
All three quadrants may be treated during the same visit.
Larger hemorrhoids and hemorrhoids with a significant amount of prolapse are not effectively treated with this technique
Sclerotherapy
The injection of bleeding internal hemorrhoids with sclerosing agents is another effective office technique for treatment of first-, second-, and some third-degree hemorrhoids.
One to 3 mL of a sclerosing solution (phenol in olive oil, sodium morrhuate, or quinine urea) is injected into the submucosa of each hemorrhoid.
Few complications are associated with sclerotherapy, but infection and fibrosis have been reported
Excision of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
Acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoids generally cause intense pain and a palpable perianal mass during the first 24 to 72 hours after thrombosis.
The thrombosis can be effectively treated with an elliptical excision performed in the office under local anesthesia.
Because the clot is usually loculated, simple incision and drainage is rarely effective.
After 72 hours, the clot begins to resorb, and the pain resolves spontaneously. Excision is unnecessary, but sitz baths and analgesics are often helpful.
Operative Hemorrhoidectomy
A number of surgical procedures have been described for elective resection of symptomatic hemorrhoids.
All are based on decreasing blood flow to the hemorrhoidal plexuses and excising redundant anoderm and mucosa
Closed Submucosal Hemorrhoidectomy
The Parks or Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy involves resection of hemorrhoidal tissue and closure of the wounds with absorbable suture.
The procedure may be performed in the prone or lithotomy position under local, regional, or general anesthesia.
The anal canal is examined and an anal speculum inserted.
The hemorrhoid cushions and associated redundant mucosa are identified and excised using an elliptical incision starting just distal to the anal verge and extending proximally to the anorectal ring.
It is crucial to identify the fibers of the internal sphincter and carefully brush these away from the dissection in order to avoid injury to the sphincter.
The apex of the hemorrhoidal plexus is then ligated and the hemorrhoid excised.
The wound is then closed with a running absorbable suture.
All three hemorrhoidal cushions may be removed using this technique; however, care should be taken to avoid resecting a large area of perianal skin in order to avoid postoperative anal stenosis (Fig. 29-32).
Open Hemorrhoidectomy
This technique, often called the
Milligan and Morgan hemorrhoidectomy, follows the same principles of excision described earlier, but the wounds are left open and allowed to heal by secondary intention.
Whitehead’s Hemorrhoidectomy
Whitehead’s hemorrhoidectomy involves circumferential excision of the hemorrhoidal cushions just proximal to the dentate line.
After excision, the rectal mucosa is then advanced and sutured to the dentate line.
While some surgeons still use Whitehead’s hemorrhoidectomy, most have abandoned this approach because of the risk of ectropion (Whitehead’s deformity).
Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids/Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
Best suited for patients with second- and third-degree hemorrhoids, this outpatient procedure uses a stapling device similar in appearance and mechanism of action to an end-to-end anastomotic (EEA) stapling device used for rectal surgery
Just as with an EEA stapler, proximal and distal tissue donuts, in this case consisting of mucosa and submucosa, are generated by the PPH stapler though the primary means by which this procedure provides relief for internal hemorrhoids is by pexying the redundant hemorrhoidal tissue, ligating the venules feeding the hemorrhoidal plexus and fixing redundant mucosa proximal to the dentate line.
Complications associated with this procedure include chronic anal pain, bacteremia, rectovaginal fistula, formation of an obstructing rectal stricture and even rectal perforation
Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
Another recent approach to treating symptomatic hemorrhoids is Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (also called transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization).
In this procedure, a Doppler probe is used to identify the artery or arteries feeding the hemorrhoidal plexus. These vessels are then ligated.
Early reports have shown promise, but long-term durability remains to be determined
Management depends on patient symptoms
If the pain is intense: excision should be offered
If the pain is subsiding: conservative management may suffice (eg. warm sitz baths, analgesics, and bulk-producing fiber supplements)
Anoscopy and proctoscopy to rule out associated anorectal disease are postponed to a later date when the patient is not in acute pain
Drainage of an anorectal abscess results in cure for about 50% of patients.
The remaining 50% develop a persistent fistula in ano.
The fistula usually originates in the infected crypt (internal opening) and tracks to the external opening, usually the site of prior drainage.
The course of the fistula can often be predicted by the anatomy of the previous abscess.
While the majority of fistulas are cryptoglandular in origin, trauma, Crohn’s disease, malignancy, radiation, or unusual infections (tuberculosis, actinomycosis, and chlamydia) may also produce fistulas. A complex, recurrent, or nonhealing fistula should raise the suspicion of one of these diagnoses