Anorectal Disorders Flashcards
vascular structures that aid in continence by preventing damage to the sphincter muscle during defecation
hemorrhoidal cushions
what leads to prolapse of vascular tissue into the anal canal?
engorgement and straining
when a blood clot forms in a portion of the hemorrhoid that is not dangerous, but is painful
thrombosed hemorrhoid
hemorrhoid that originates proximal to the dentate line
internal hemorrhoid
what type of hemorrhoids are the majority?
internal hemorrhoids
why is it important to grade internal hemorrhoids?
to determine treatment
grade the internal hemorrhoid: patient presents with painless bleeding. Physical exam shows vascular engorgement bulging into the anal canal without prolapse.
grade 1
grade the internal hemorrhoid: patient presents with painless bleeding with perianal itching. Physical exam shows hemorrhoidal prolapse with straining that reduces spontaneously
grade 2
grade the internal hemorrhoid: patient presents with painless bleeding, perianal itching, and swelling/straining/soilage with mucus and feces. Physical exam shows hemorrhoid prolapses beyond the dentate line with straining and is only reducible by manual pressure
grade 3
grade the internal hemorrhoid: patient presents with pain, bleeding, swelling, soilage, with mucus and feces. Physical exam shows grossly evident prolapse of hemorrhoidal tissue that is non-reducible and chronic inflammatory changes (mucosal atrophy, friability, maceration, and ulceration)
grade 4
hemorrhoid that originates distal to the dentate line
external hemorrhoid
what is the difference in symptoms between internal and external hemorrhoids?
internal hemorrhoids are normally painless
external hemorrhoids are painful when thrombosed
hemorrhoids can exist asymptomatically, but become symptomatic when they are _____ and _____
distended
engorged
rectal bleeding can be caused by: (2)
external, thrombosed hemorrhoids
grade 4 internal hemorrhoids
why can hemorrhoids be reported as “lumps” or “masses”?
with time, internal hemorrhoids protrude further and become irreducible
a patient presents with a bluish perianal nodule, which is erythematous, firm, and tender to touch when thrombosed and inflamed. Dx?
external hemorrhoid
what can help visualize an internal hemorrhoid? (2)
anoscopy
gentle straining
when does an internal hemorrhoid become palpable on digital rectal exam? (2)
prolapsed
thrombosed
what is the conservative treatment for grade 1 and 2 internal hemorrhoids? (2)
increased fiber + fluids
limit straining + lingering
what is the conservative treatment for external hemorrhoids? (3)
warm sitz bath, analgesics, ointment
prep H
Tucks
Anusol
resolves over 2-3 days
what is the preferred medical treatment for grade 1-3 internal hemorrhoids that have recurrent bleeding despite conservative treatment?
rubber band ligation
what is the medical treatment for edematous, painful stage 4 internal hemorrhoids? (2)
acutely: prep H, tucks, anusol
ligated later