This document summarizes the modern diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. It discusses that hemorrhoids are common but may coexist with other serious pathology, so correct evaluation is important. Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is generally recommended for diagnosis depending on patient age and symptoms. Many treatment options exist including bulk laxatives, topical remedies, rubber band ligation, and surgery. Rubber band ligation is effective in the short term for many patients but surgery provides the most effective long term treatment, though it causes more post-operative pain.
This document summarizes the modern diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. It discusses that hemorrhoids are common but may coexist with other serious pathology, so correct evaluation is im…