Haemorrhoids Flashcards
What are haemorrhoids also called?
Piles
What are haemorrhoids?
Swollen veins around anus and lower rectum and disrupt anal cushions
Can be internal or external.
What is the most common cause of haemorrhoids?
Constipation with straining
Also anal sex
Where do internal haemorrhoids originate?
Above internal rectal plexus (dentate line, divides upper 2/3 from lower 1/3 of anal canal)
True or false: internal haemorrhoids are more painful than external haemorrhoids
False
Much less painful as decreased sensory supply.
An individual with internal haemorrhoids may feel “i________ e______”
incomplete emptying
Where do external haemorrhoids originate from?
Below dentate line
What can patients with external haemorrhoids often struggle to do?
Sit down
What are symptoms of haemorrhoids?
bright red fresh rectal bleeding
Mucousy and blood stool
Bulging pain
May have pruritus ani (itchy)
How are external haemorrhoids diagnosed?
Digital PR exam for external (may be visible)
How are internal haemorrhoids diagnosed?
Proctoscopy (also called rigid sigmoidoscopy)
How are haemorrhoids treated?
Stool softener / laxative like docusate
Rubber band ligation
