Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are vascular spaces forming cushions above the analcanal which allow the passage of gas without stool, and cause clinical problemsonly when they become engorged and prolapse with resulting pain, bleeding,itching or discharge. Hemorrhoids require treatment only if they cause symptoms,and should be treated only as long as symptoms persist. Techniques of treatmentincluding injection therapy, rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, bipolarprobe, heater probe, ultroid and YAG laser are described. At present, rubberbanding is the most cost effective therapy. Diet education is essential to preventrecurrence