Hemorrhoids is one of the most common conditions that occur in the general population of Western societies. A significant percentage, over 45% of men and women, is estimated to experience Hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Of these cases about 15% will require surgery.
All people have a net of veins in their anus, the rectal veins. When swollen develop internal or external hemorrhoids. The problems start when, mainly due to constipation, pregnancy or childbirth, drugs and alcohol the swollen veins appear outside the anal canal. Along with possible deterioration of the varicose dilatation of the venous plexus we have the main causes of Hemorrhoids.
The main symptoms of hemorrhoids can be: pain and pressure in the anal canal, a bulge in the anus, itching and pain in and around the anus occasionally with blood in the underwear, the toilet paper, or in the toilet itself.
Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful but often cause bleeding.
External hemorrhoids occur when the veins under the skin of the anus swell and hurt. Sometimes there may be also bleed.
The main types of hemorrhoids are:
1st grade without prolapse: usually treated with diet, drug prescription, sclerotherapy, or photocoagulation
2nd degree prolapse: hemorrhoids occur outside the anus, but can be pushed back in automatically. Can be treated with sclerotherapy, photocoagulation or hemorrhoidectomy
3rd grade prolapse: hemorrhoids occur outside the anus and can be pushed back in by the patient. Usual treatment with hemorrhoidectomy
4th grade prolapse: hemorrhoids occur outside the anus and can not be pushed back in by the patient. Treatment with hemorrhoidectomy
The method to be followed is always discussed and agreed with the attending physician and always based on the condition of each patient.