digestive disorders
Hemorrhoids
Introduction
Hemorrhoids are dilated, twisted blood vessels located in the wall of the lower rectum and anus. The swollen vessels are caused by an increase in pressure. Lumps form inside or outside of the anus, which can cause pain or bleeding. The diagnosis is based on an examination of the anus and rectum, often with an anoscope, sigmoidoscope, or colonoscope. Most hemorrhoid symptoms go away without treatment, but fiber, stool softeners, and sitz baths can help relieve them. Some hemorrhoids are treated with a rubber band procedure, injection sclerotherapy, or infrared photocoagulation or sometimes surgery. The rectum is the section of the digestive tract above the anus where stool is held before it passes out of the body through the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool leaves the body. (See also Overview of the Anus and Rectum .) Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels in the lower rectum or anus become enlarged. Internal hemorrhoidsare hemorrhoids that form above the junction between the anus and rectum (anorectal junction). External hemorrhoidsare hemorrhoids that form below the anorectal junction. Both internal and external hemorrhoids may remain in the anus or protrude outside the anus. 