Hemorrhoid Book

"Silent Sufferers"

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
• Preface
• Hemorrhoids - What are They?

CHAPTER ONE
• Dealing with Hemorrhoids
• Famous Sufferers
• Fear of Pain and Hospitalization
• Consider the Facts

CHAPTER TWO
• The Causes And Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
• Causes of Hemorrhoids
• Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

CHAPTER THREE: Colorectal Anatomy
• The Anatomy of the Colon and Rectum
• The Digestive Path

CHAPTER FOUR: Hemorrhoids
• Classification
• Grades of Hemorrhoids
• International Classification of Diseases
• Complications
• Is Your Problem from Hemorrhoids?

CHAPTER FIVE: Prevention and Other Aspects of Hemorrhoids
• Ten Recommendations to Prevent Hemorrhoids
• Breakfast Boosters!
• Self-help and Home Remedies
• Classification of Anorectal Ingredients
• Colorectal Cancer Screening ACS Guidelines
Table of Contents

CHAPTER SIX: Fiber Facts
• Fiber’s Crucial Role
• What is Fiber?
• Foods to Eat – Foods to Avoid
• Mealtime Strategies

CHAPTER SEVEN: Other Rectal Problems
• Fissures
• Fistulas
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa
• Cancer of the Colon or Rectum
• Anal Warts
• Rectal Prolapse
• Pruritus Ani
• Chronic Idiopathic Rectal Pain Syndrome

CHAPTER EIGHT: The Medical Examination
• The Examination
• Colonoscopy

CHAPTER NINE: Historical Therapies
• Early Methods

CHAPTER TEN: Modern Procedures
• Medical Treatments
• Laser Photocoagulation
• Helium/Neon Laser Photocoagulation
• YAG Laser Photocoagulation
• Infrared Photocoagulation (IRC)
• DC Electrocoagulation (Ultroid®)
• Bipolar Electrocoagulation (Bicap®)
• Rubber Band Ligation
• Sclerotherapy
• Cryosurgery
• Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapled Prolapsectomy
• Who is Qualified to Perform a Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy?
• Qualifications of Colon and Rectal Surgeons

Preface
In over 25 years of medical practice in Indianapolis, our office has cared for thousands of patients with hemorrhoidal problems. Some of these patients suffered with hemorrhoids for 30 years before seeking treatment. Why are some so hesitant to seek proper medical attention for hemorrhoids, but think nothing of seeing a doctor for the common flu? The fear of surgery, cultural stigma, or embarrassment can be so deep-rooted that some of our patients self-diagnosed and treated their rectal bleeding as if it were hemorrhoids, but later died from colon and rectal cancer. This suffering and misguided self-care is unnecessary and could be curtailed if proper information were easily available.

We spend much time discussing and counseling our patients on their anorectal afflictions. To further assist our patients, we have always wanted to hand out additional written materials and have searched for information on the problems of hemorrhoids. Many pharmaceutical companies have produced material for the public that are somewhat helpful, but the information tends to be outdated, inaccurate, and understandably, favors the product each company produces.

It seemed the best alternative was to write a book addressing the subject of hemorrhoids and other anorectal problems. We have found that most people appreciate newsletters, brochures, and other written information dealing with ailments that commonly afflict them. Written information can be read in private, especially about a personal problem such as hemorrhoids, and then questions can be discussed later with your specialist.

Much of the material in this book has been published previously in other sources. We have collected the information and put the material into a readable form. We credited the source as much as practical. This book’s purpose is to inform people about the nature of their anorectal problems, the treatments available, and also to emphasize the importance of immediate medical attention.

Rama M. Jager, M.D., Ph.D.
Shekar Narayanan, M.D.
Joseph C. Muller, M.D.
Arun Gowdamarajan, M.D.

Hemorrhoids – What are They?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and dilated cushions of blood vessels in the anal canal and under the skin around the anal opening. The word “hemorrhoids” is derived from the ancient Greek words “haima,” meaning “blood,” and “rhoos,” meaning “flowing.” Hippocrates applied this name to the flow of blood from the rectal veins. Hemorrhoids are also referred to as “piles.” The term “piles” is from the Latin word “pila” meaning “ball,” which describes the appearance of hemorrhoidal swelling.

Provided below are the beginning paragraphs of each
chapter to give you an indication of the contents.

CHAPTER ONE
Society’s attitude toward the subject of hemorrhoids is one of shame, shyness, and embarrassment. Many feel it is improper to talk about anorectal problems. Thus, most know little about hemorrhoids. In fact, hemorrhoids are seldom discussed even if one is afflicted.

CHAPTER TWO The Causes and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Long before cavemen decorated walls with primitive art and humans used tools, man stood erect. Walking upright proved to be advantageous. Man moves with greater speed, the hands and arms are free for other uses, and the higher stance enables a greater view.

CHAPTER THREE Colorectal Anatomy
The Anatomy of the Colon and Rectum The colon and rectum are complicated and sensitive organs. They are part of the lower digestive tract and often do not receive proper care and attention. When there is a problem, it is usually disregarded. In an effort to understand the cause and development of hemorrhoids, it is helpful to know how the entire digestive tract works

CHAPTER FOUR Hemorrhoids Classification
Now that you are familiar with the functions of the anorectal area and the digestive tract, you can understand the differences in the types of hemorrhoids and how they develop.

CHAPTER FIVE Prevention and Other Aspects of Hemorrhoids
Ten Recommendations to Prevent Hemorrhoids
By following some simple precautionary measures, hemorrhoids can often be avoided or at least prevented from developing further complications.

CHAPTER SIX Fiber Facts
Fiber’s Crucial Role
A book on hemorrhoids would not be complete without emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet, especially one with plenty of fiber. A high-fiber diet plays a very crucial role in the prevention of hemorrhoids, other anorectal problems, and more importantly, colon cancer. For this reason, an entire chapter is dedicated to it.

CHAPTER SEVEN Other Rectal Problems
Most people refer to any and every anorectal discomfort as hemorrhoids. But not all rectal problems are caused by hemorrhoids. A colon and rectal specialist will examine the anorectal area for other abnormalities before the diagnosis of hemorrhoids is made. During this examination, the physician may discover that you don’t have hemorrhoids but a different rectal problem.

CHAPTER EIGHT: The Medical Examination
The Examination
Medical examinations for anorectal problems vary according to your symptoms, age, and medical history. Patients are asked to lie on one side on a regular examination table, or kneel on a bench and bend forward over a special examining table to permit visual examination of the anal opening.

CHAPTER NINE Historical Therapies
Early Methods
Hemorrhoids have been around since the beginning of medicine and so have the numerous treatments. Medical section of the Egyptian papyruses (Ebers papyrus), of earlier than 3,000 B.C. document hemorrhoids and various treatment options: “Coat a chip of wood or bone in honey and herbs and insert it in the rectum as a suppository.” Many of yesterday’s treatments involved much pain and minimal relief. Until the past few centuries, very few treatments for hemorrhoids have been based on scientific facts or clinical investigations.

CHAPTER TEN Modern Procedures
Medical Treatments
Hemorrhoid treatment has come a long way since Hippocrates. Understanding the multifactorial causation of hemorrhoids, nature of hemorrhoids, sophisticated equipment, scientific and medical advances, and emphasis on prevention all play an important role in today’s approach. Early detection and care of hemorrhoids help to avoid complications and improves response to treatment.

CONCLUSION
Although hemorrhoids are not a popular topic of conversation, the subject requires specialized attention. If you have hemorrhoids, please seek proper medical care.

But more importantly, contact a physician if you experience any anorectal bleeding, itching, or pain. If you have hemorrhoids, they can be treated effectively and often without pain, disability, or time off work. Don’t endure unnecessary discomforts. The earlier the treatment, the simpler and more effective it is.

Even if your symptoms are caused by an anorectal problem other than hemorrhoids, most can be treated  safely and effectively when detected early. Don’t let these symptoms go unchecked. It’s vital to your well-being.