haemorrhoids

Question 1

what are the 2 types of haemorrhoids and how do they present ?

Answer 1

External : below the dentate line and prone to thrombosis
Internal : above the dentate line and generally not painful

Question 2

what are the clinical features of haemorrhoids

Answer 2

painless rectal bleeding is the most common symptom
pruritus
pain: usually not significant unless piles are thrombosed
soiling

Question 3

what is the management of haemorrhoids ?

Answer 3

soften stools by increasing dietary fluid and fibre intake
topical anaesthetics and steroids
rubber band ligation
sclerotherapy
surgery for large symptomatic steroids

Question 4

how do acutely thrombosed haemorrhoids present and how are they managed

Answer 4

significant pain
purple, oedematous subcutaneous perianal mass

excision in first 72 hours
otherwise manage with stool softeners ice packs and analgesia

Question 5

Name one complication of haemorrhoids.

Answer 5

Ulceration, stricture, thrombosis, infection, anaemia, skin tags.