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Excision is the most effective treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, retrospective studies). For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, the best definitive treatment is traditional hemorrhoidectomy (SOR: A, systematic reviews). Of nonoperative techniques, rubber band ligation produces the lowest rate of recurrence (SOR: A, systematic reviews).
Evidence summary
External hemorrhoids originate below the dentate line and become acutely painful with thrombosis. They can cause perianal pruritus and excoriation because of interference with perianal hygiene. Internal hemorrhoids become symptomatic when they bleed or prolapse (TABLE).
TABLE
Classification of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids
| GRADE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| I | Hemorrhoids do not protrude, but may bleed |
| II | Hemorrhoids protrude with defecation, but reduce spontaneously |
| III | Hemorrhoids protrude and must be reduced by hand |
| IV | Hemorrhoids are permanently prolapsed |
| Source: Madoff RD, et al. Gastroenterology. 2004.10 | |
For thrombosed external hemorrhoids, surgery works best
Few studies have evaluated the best treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids. A retrospective study of 231 patients treated conservatively or surgically found that the 48.5% of patients treated surgically had a lower recurrence rate than the conservative group (number needed to treat [NNT]=2 for recurrence at mean follow-up of 7.6 months) and earlier resolution of symptoms (average 3.9 days compared with 24 days for conservative treatment).1
Another retrospective analysis of 340 patients who underwent outpatient excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia reported a low recurrence rate of 6.5% at a mean follow-up of 17.3 months.2
A prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 98 patients treated nonsurgically found improved pain relief with a combination of topical nifedipine 0.3% and lidocaine 1.5% compared with lidocaine alone. The NNT for complete pain relief at 7 days was 3.3
Conventional hemorrhoidectomy beats stapling
Many studies have evaluated the best treatment for prolapsed hemorrhoids. A Cochrane systematic review of 12 RCTs that compared conventional hemorrhoidectomy with stapled hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grades I to III hemorrhoids found a lower rate of recurrence (follow-up ranged from 6 to 39 months) in patients who had conventional hemorrhoidectomy (NNT=14).4 Conventional hemorrhoidectomy showed a nonsignificant trend in decreased bleeding and decreased incontinence.
A second systematic review of 25 studies, including some that were of lower quality, showed a higher recurrence rate at 1 year with stapled hemorrhoidectomy than with conventional surgery.5
Nonoperative techniques? Consider rubber band ligation
A systematic review of 3 poor-quality trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grade III hemorrhoids found that excisional hemorrhoidectomy produced better long-term symptom control but more immediate postoperative complications of anal stenosis and hemorrhage.6 Rubber band ligation had the lowest recurrence rate at 12 months compared with the other nonoperative techniques of sclerotherapy and infrared coagulation.7
Fiber supplements help relieve symptoms
A Cochrane systematic review of 7 RCTs enrolling a total of 378 patients with grade I to III hemorrhoids evaluated the effect of fiber supplements on pain, itching, and bleeding. Persistent hemorrhoid symptoms decreased by 53% in the group receiving fiber.8
When surgical hemorrhoidectomy is recommended
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends adequate fluid and fiber intake for all patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. For grade I to III hemorrhoids, the society states that banding is usually most effective. When office treatments fail, the society recommends surgical hemorrhoidectomy (SOR: B).
The society recommends excision of thrombosed hemorrhoids less than 72 hours old and expectant treatment with analgesia and sitz baths for thrombosed hemorrhoids present for longer than 72 hours (SOR: B).9
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends excision of symptomatic thrombosed external hemorrhoids that present early. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy should be reserved for when conservative treatment fails and for patients with symptomatic grade III and IV hemorrhoids.10
1. Greenspon J, Williams SB, Young HA, et al. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids: outcome after conservative or surgical management. Dis Colon Rectum. 2004;47:1493-1498.
2. Jongen J, Bach S, Stubinger SH, et al. Excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia: a retrospective evaluation of 340 patients. Dis Colon Rectum. 2003;46:1226-1231.
3. Perrotti P, Antropoli C, Molino D, et al. Conservative treatment of acute thrombosed external hemorrhoids with topical nifedipine. Dis Colon Rectum. 2001;44:405-409.
4. Jayaraman S, Colquhoun PH, Malthaner RA. Stapled versus conventional surgery for hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(4):CD005393.-
5. Tjandra JJ, Chan MK. Systematic review on the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy). Dis Colon Rectum. 2007;50:878-892.
6. Shanmugam V, Thaha MA, Rabindranath KS, et al. Systematic review of randomized trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Br J Surg. 2005;92:1481-1487.
7. Johanson JF, Rimm A. Optimal nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids: a comparative analysis of infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, and injection sclerotherapy. Am J Gastroenterol. 1992;87:1600-1606.
8. Alonso-Coello P, Guyatt G, Heels-Ansdell D, et al. Laxatives for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005(4):CD004649.-
9. Cataldo P, Ellis CN, Gregorcyk S, et al. Practice parameters for the management of hemorrhoids (revised). Dis Colon Rectum. 2005;48:189-194.
10. Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Practice Committee. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1463-1473.
Excision is the most effective treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, retrospective studies). For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, the best definitive treatment is traditional hemorrhoidectomy (SOR: A, systematic reviews). Of nonoperative techniques, rubber band ligation produces the lowest rate of recurrence (SOR: A, systematic reviews).
Evidence summary
External hemorrhoids originate below the dentate line and become acutely painful with thrombosis. They can cause perianal pruritus and excoriation because of interference with perianal hygiene. Internal hemorrhoids become symptomatic when they bleed or prolapse (TABLE).
TABLE
Classification of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids
| GRADE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| I | Hemorrhoids do not protrude, but may bleed |
| II | Hemorrhoids protrude with defecation, but reduce spontaneously |
| III | Hemorrhoids protrude and must be reduced by hand |
| IV | Hemorrhoids are permanently prolapsed |
| Source: Madoff RD, et al. Gastroenterology. 2004.10 | |
For thrombosed external hemorrhoids, surgery works best
Few studies have evaluated the best treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids. A retrospective study of 231 patients treated conservatively or surgically found that the 48.5% of patients treated surgically had a lower recurrence rate than the conservative group (number needed to treat [NNT]=2 for recurrence at mean follow-up of 7.6 months) and earlier resolution of symptoms (average 3.9 days compared with 24 days for conservative treatment).1
Another retrospective analysis of 340 patients who underwent outpatient excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia reported a low recurrence rate of 6.5% at a mean follow-up of 17.3 months.2
A prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 98 patients treated nonsurgically found improved pain relief with a combination of topical nifedipine 0.3% and lidocaine 1.5% compared with lidocaine alone. The NNT for complete pain relief at 7 days was 3.3
Conventional hemorrhoidectomy beats stapling
Many studies have evaluated the best treatment for prolapsed hemorrhoids. A Cochrane systematic review of 12 RCTs that compared conventional hemorrhoidectomy with stapled hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grades I to III hemorrhoids found a lower rate of recurrence (follow-up ranged from 6 to 39 months) in patients who had conventional hemorrhoidectomy (NNT=14).4 Conventional hemorrhoidectomy showed a nonsignificant trend in decreased bleeding and decreased incontinence.
A second systematic review of 25 studies, including some that were of lower quality, showed a higher recurrence rate at 1 year with stapled hemorrhoidectomy than with conventional surgery.5
Nonoperative techniques? Consider rubber band ligation
A systematic review of 3 poor-quality trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grade III hemorrhoids found that excisional hemorrhoidectomy produced better long-term symptom control but more immediate postoperative complications of anal stenosis and hemorrhage.6 Rubber band ligation had the lowest recurrence rate at 12 months compared with the other nonoperative techniques of sclerotherapy and infrared coagulation.7
Fiber supplements help relieve symptoms
A Cochrane systematic review of 7 RCTs enrolling a total of 378 patients with grade I to III hemorrhoids evaluated the effect of fiber supplements on pain, itching, and bleeding. Persistent hemorrhoid symptoms decreased by 53% in the group receiving fiber.8
When surgical hemorrhoidectomy is recommended
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends adequate fluid and fiber intake for all patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. For grade I to III hemorrhoids, the society states that banding is usually most effective. When office treatments fail, the society recommends surgical hemorrhoidectomy (SOR: B).
The society recommends excision of thrombosed hemorrhoids less than 72 hours old and expectant treatment with analgesia and sitz baths for thrombosed hemorrhoids present for longer than 72 hours (SOR: B).9
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends excision of symptomatic thrombosed external hemorrhoids that present early. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy should be reserved for when conservative treatment fails and for patients with symptomatic grade III and IV hemorrhoids.10
Excision is the most effective treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, retrospective studies). For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, the best definitive treatment is traditional hemorrhoidectomy (SOR: A, systematic reviews). Of nonoperative techniques, rubber band ligation produces the lowest rate of recurrence (SOR: A, systematic reviews).
Evidence summary
External hemorrhoids originate below the dentate line and become acutely painful with thrombosis. They can cause perianal pruritus and excoriation because of interference with perianal hygiene. Internal hemorrhoids become symptomatic when they bleed or prolapse (TABLE).
TABLE
Classification of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids
| GRADE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| I | Hemorrhoids do not protrude, but may bleed |
| II | Hemorrhoids protrude with defecation, but reduce spontaneously |
| III | Hemorrhoids protrude and must be reduced by hand |
| IV | Hemorrhoids are permanently prolapsed |
| Source: Madoff RD, et al. Gastroenterology. 2004.10 | |
For thrombosed external hemorrhoids, surgery works best
Few studies have evaluated the best treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids. A retrospective study of 231 patients treated conservatively or surgically found that the 48.5% of patients treated surgically had a lower recurrence rate than the conservative group (number needed to treat [NNT]=2 for recurrence at mean follow-up of 7.6 months) and earlier resolution of symptoms (average 3.9 days compared with 24 days for conservative treatment).1
Another retrospective analysis of 340 patients who underwent outpatient excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia reported a low recurrence rate of 6.5% at a mean follow-up of 17.3 months.2
A prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 98 patients treated nonsurgically found improved pain relief with a combination of topical nifedipine 0.3% and lidocaine 1.5% compared with lidocaine alone. The NNT for complete pain relief at 7 days was 3.3
Conventional hemorrhoidectomy beats stapling
Many studies have evaluated the best treatment for prolapsed hemorrhoids. A Cochrane systematic review of 12 RCTs that compared conventional hemorrhoidectomy with stapled hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grades I to III hemorrhoids found a lower rate of recurrence (follow-up ranged from 6 to 39 months) in patients who had conventional hemorrhoidectomy (NNT=14).4 Conventional hemorrhoidectomy showed a nonsignificant trend in decreased bleeding and decreased incontinence.
A second systematic review of 25 studies, including some that were of lower quality, showed a higher recurrence rate at 1 year with stapled hemorrhoidectomy than with conventional surgery.5
Nonoperative techniques? Consider rubber band ligation
A systematic review of 3 poor-quality trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional hemorrhoidectomy in patients with grade III hemorrhoids found that excisional hemorrhoidectomy produced better long-term symptom control but more immediate postoperative complications of anal stenosis and hemorrhage.6 Rubber band ligation had the lowest recurrence rate at 12 months compared with the other nonoperative techniques of sclerotherapy and infrared coagulation.7
Fiber supplements help relieve symptoms
A Cochrane systematic review of 7 RCTs enrolling a total of 378 patients with grade I to III hemorrhoids evaluated the effect of fiber supplements on pain, itching, and bleeding. Persistent hemorrhoid symptoms decreased by 53% in the group receiving fiber.8
When surgical hemorrhoidectomy is recommended
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends adequate fluid and fiber intake for all patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. For grade I to III hemorrhoids, the society states that banding is usually most effective. When office treatments fail, the society recommends surgical hemorrhoidectomy (SOR: B).
The society recommends excision of thrombosed hemorrhoids less than 72 hours old and expectant treatment with analgesia and sitz baths for thrombosed hemorrhoids present for longer than 72 hours (SOR: B).9
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends excision of symptomatic thrombosed external hemorrhoids that present early. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy should be reserved for when conservative treatment fails and for patients with symptomatic grade III and IV hemorrhoids.10
1. Greenspon J, Williams SB, Young HA, et al. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids: outcome after conservative or surgical management. Dis Colon Rectum. 2004;47:1493-1498.
2. Jongen J, Bach S, Stubinger SH, et al. Excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia: a retrospective evaluation of 340 patients. Dis Colon Rectum. 2003;46:1226-1231.
3. Perrotti P, Antropoli C, Molino D, et al. Conservative treatment of acute thrombosed external hemorrhoids with topical nifedipine. Dis Colon Rectum. 2001;44:405-409.
4. Jayaraman S, Colquhoun PH, Malthaner RA. Stapled versus conventional surgery for hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(4):CD005393.-
5. Tjandra JJ, Chan MK. Systematic review on the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy). Dis Colon Rectum. 2007;50:878-892.
6. Shanmugam V, Thaha MA, Rabindranath KS, et al. Systematic review of randomized trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Br J Surg. 2005;92:1481-1487.
7. Johanson JF, Rimm A. Optimal nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids: a comparative analysis of infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, and injection sclerotherapy. Am J Gastroenterol. 1992;87:1600-1606.
8. Alonso-Coello P, Guyatt G, Heels-Ansdell D, et al. Laxatives for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005(4):CD004649.-
9. Cataldo P, Ellis CN, Gregorcyk S, et al. Practice parameters for the management of hemorrhoids (revised). Dis Colon Rectum. 2005;48:189-194.
10. Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Practice Committee. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1463-1473.
1. Greenspon J, Williams SB, Young HA, et al. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids: outcome after conservative or surgical management. Dis Colon Rectum. 2004;47:1493-1498.
2. Jongen J, Bach S, Stubinger SH, et al. Excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids under local anesthesia: a retrospective evaluation of 340 patients. Dis Colon Rectum. 2003;46:1226-1231.
3. Perrotti P, Antropoli C, Molino D, et al. Conservative treatment of acute thrombosed external hemorrhoids with topical nifedipine. Dis Colon Rectum. 2001;44:405-409.
4. Jayaraman S, Colquhoun PH, Malthaner RA. Stapled versus conventional surgery for hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(4):CD005393.-
5. Tjandra JJ, Chan MK. Systematic review on the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (stapled hemorrhoidopexy). Dis Colon Rectum. 2007;50:878-892.
6. Shanmugam V, Thaha MA, Rabindranath KS, et al. Systematic review of randomized trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Br J Surg. 2005;92:1481-1487.
7. Johanson JF, Rimm A. Optimal nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids: a comparative analysis of infrared coagulation, rubber band ligation, and injection sclerotherapy. Am J Gastroenterol. 1992;87:1600-1606.
8. Alonso-Coello P, Guyatt G, Heels-Ansdell D, et al. Laxatives for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005(4):CD004649.-
9. Cataldo P, Ellis CN, Gregorcyk S, et al. Practice parameters for the management of hemorrhoids (revised). Dis Colon Rectum. 2005;48:189-194.
10. Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Practice Committee. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:1463-1473.
Evidence-based answers from the Family Physicians Inquiries Network