MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Hemorrhoid surgery

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Hemorrhoid surgery - series: Indications

Hemorrhoid surgery - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indications

Procedure

Aftercare

These vascular cushions can become swollen and inflamed, usually due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during straining when constipated or during pregnancy. Such swelling can cause pain, bleeding, and itching. Hemorrhoid removal may be recommended when non-surgical treatment (fiber rich diet, laxatives, stool softener, suppositories, medications, warm baths) has not provided adequate relief from:

persistent itching
anal bleeding
pain
blood clots (thrombosis of the hemorrhoids)

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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