Management of Hemorrhoids
Conservative treatment of hemorrhoids consists of dietary and lifestyle modifications. Patients are encouraged to sit in warm water or baths for 15 min, three to four times a day. The over-the-counter pharmacologic agents for symptomatic management of hemorrhoids include vasoconstrictors, astringents, protectants, local anesthetics, keratolytics, hydrocortisone and antipruritics.
Interventional procedures are performed in clinic to treat second and third degree hemorrhoids, and firstdegree hemorrhoids that do not respond to dietary modification. Standard interventional procedures are injection sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation. Among the surgical options for prolapsed hemorrhoids, conventional hemorrhoidectomy competes with stapled hemorrhoidopexy, which is less painful, has shorter convalescence and high patient satisfaction.1
The most important aspect of hemorrhoid management is prevention. The following measures will help prevent hemorrhoids:
-
Avoid excessive pressure and straining during defecation
-
Increase intake of high-fiber diet
-
-
Exercise
Next page: Classification of hemorrhoids
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 15, 2012