DEFINITION :
Dilated plexus of superior haemorrrhoidal veins , in relation to anal canal .
CLASSIFICATION :
1. Primary haemorrhoids :
(a) standing position of the human being is partly responsible for piles because blood has to flow against gravity .
(b) anatomical factor -the veins passing through the submucosa of the rectum , get constricted during the act of defaecation .
(c) genetic factor -absence of valves or congenital weakness of vein wall .
(d) constipation causes excessive straining .
2. Secondary haemorrhoids :
(a) carcinoma of rectum , by blocking the veins can produce back pressure & can manifest as piles .
(b) portal hypertension is the common cause .
(c) pregnancy due to compression on superior rectal vein or due to progesterone which relaxes smooth muscle in the wall of the veins .
3. Depending upon the location of haemorrhoids :
(a) internal haemorrhoids -above the dentate line , covered with mucous membrane .
(b) external haemorrhoids - at anal verge , covered with skin .
(c) interno-external - both varieties together .
CLINICAL FEATURES :
1. Painless bleeding - fresh bleeding occurs after defaecation . Haemorrhoids which blood are called grade 1 haemorrhoids .
2. as the straining increases ,the haemorrhoids partly prolapse outside . after defaecation , it return back ( grade 2 haemorrhoids ) or can be digitally replaced ( grade 3 haemorrhoids ) .
3. permanently prolasped piles outside ( grade 4 haemorrhoids ) .
4. constipation .
5.itching .
6. discharge of mucous or irritation of perianal skin .
INVESTIGATIONS :
Per rectum examination is done mainly to rule out carcinoma of rectum or other causes of bleeding per rectum . Sigmoidoscopy & proctoscopy are done to rule out proximal cancer .
COMPLICATIONS :
1. Chronic anaemia .
2. Severe pain.
3. Ulceration & secondary infection .
4. Thrombosis & fibrosis .
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