대한대장항문학회

Hemorrhoids have afflicted man since the dawn of history. They are among the first conditions described as contributing to the discomfort of humans. When we consider over 90 percent of accurately diagnosed, symptomatic hemorrhoids can be treated without an operation, we have to get detailed information on the several techniques of nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids. Modern as well as traditional, drugs are being increasingly used in all grades of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Although drugs can reduce edema, relieve pain, and help in thrombosis, they cannot definitively cure hemorrhoids. Several modes of therapy, not involving surgical excision, have been advocated for the treatment of hemorrhoid patients. These include injection sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, rubber band ligation, infrared photocoagulation, and diathermy. The mechanisms are principally the same, irrespective of which is chosen, as all function ablatively by thrombosis, sclerosis, or necrosis of a part of the internal portion of the hemorrhoidal complex and thereby decrease the volume of the cushions, possibly fixating them in the distal rectum. Usually, rubber band ligation is considered the first treatment for first- to third- degree hemorrhoids, and a hemorrhoidectomy should be reserved for those failing to respond to a ligature procedure. Recently, new treatment modalities for hemorrhoids, such as radiofrequency or hemorrhoidal artery ligation, have been developed to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids. We can choose suitable procedures according to the degree of the hemorrhoids. J Korean Soc Coloproctol 2008;24:228-237