GI Packet 7

What are hemorhoids?

Swollen (or dilated) veins in anus and lower rectum

What is another term for hemorrhoids?

Piles

What happens to cause hemorrhoids (I in all honestly don’t know how to word this besides what makes hemorrhoids inflamed)?

Veins around anus stretch under pressure and they bulge, swell, and may become inflamed

What are some risks that increase your chance of hemorrhoids?

Straining (constipation)

Prolonged sitting

Pregnancy

Weight lifting

Obesity

Chronic diarrhea

Anal intercourse

What are the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Itching (pruritus)

Pain

Bleeding

Sense of fullness (feels like sitting on marbles)

On examination of hemorrhoids what is inspected and/or palpated?

Purple little marbles

What are are some possible other diagnoses that can seem like hemorrhoids?

Polyps

Colon cancer

Ulcerative colitis

Crohn’s disease

What are some medical treatment for hemorrhoids?

No specific medication

Witch hazel (reduces inflammation)

Suppositories and cream that decrease inflammation (cortisone)

Stool softeners

What are some surgical treatments for hemorrhoids?

Rubber band ligation (blood supply lost to the hemorrhoid)

Sclerotherapy (insertion with chemical)

Coagulate them with heat or laser

Hemorrhoidectomy (excision of hemorrhoid; causes post-op pain and possible rectal incontinence - Should be used as last resort)