Hernias & Anal Disorders (Hemorrhoids, Fissure, Fistula, Abscess) Flashcards
(133 cards)
what are hemorrhoids?
normal vascular structures in the anal canal that arise from arteriovenous connective tissue
WE ALL HAVE HEMORRHOIDS
what do hemorrhoids help with?
the passage of stool - act as cushions
when do hemorrhoids become a disease/problem?
when they cause symptoms
what determines if hemorrhoids are internal or external?
above or below the pectinate line
hemorrhoids epidemiology
true prevalence unknown
equal M and F
<b>COMMON IN PREGNANCY</b>
peaks b/w 45-65 (development prior to 20 is rare)
40% are asymptomatic - internal hemorrhoids
where are external hemorrhoids?
distal to the pectinate line (dentate line)
where are internal hemorrhoids?
located proximal to pectinate line
which type of hemorrhoids has a grading system?
internal hemorrhoids (no widely used classification system for external hemorrhoids)
when trying to visualize internal hemorrhoids, what tool do you use?
anoscope
Grade I internal hemorrhoids means?
visualized on anoscopy may bulge into lumen, but do not prolapse below dentate line
Grade II internal hemorrhoids means?
prolapse out of the anal canal with bowel movement or straining but reduce spontaneously
Grade III internal hemorrhoids means?
prolapse out of the anal canal with bowel movement and straining and requires manual reduction
Grade IV internal hemorrhoids means?
irreducible and may strangulate
-can’t push back in
where are hemorrhoids located?
in the submucosal layer in the lower rectum
can internal and external hemorrhoids coexist?
YES! BOTH OFTEN COEXIST
which type of hemorrhoid NOT painful? innervation?
internal hemorrhoids are NOT sensitive to pain, touch or temp b/c they are VISCERALLY INNERVATED
why are external hemorrhoids painful?
b/c external hemorrhoids are covered by modified squamous epithelium which contains somatic pain receptors
they are painful especially with thrombosis (when they form a clot)
hemorrhoids risk factors
advanced age, diarrhea, pregnancy (increasing weight on pelvis), pelvic tumors, prolonged sitting, straining, chronic constipation, anticoagulation
hemorrhoids clinical manifestations
- 40% of internal hemorrhoids are asymptomatic
- ALMOST ALWAYS PAINLESS BLEEDING ASSOCIATED WITH BOWEL MOVEMENT (internal hemorrhoids)
- BRBPR
- fecal incontinence
- sensation of fullness in perianal area
- irritation or itching of perianal skin
- pain associated with thrombosis (for external hemorrhoids)
pathophysiology of hemorrhoids
internal hemorrhoids - engorgement of venous plexus originating from superior hemorrhoid vein proximal to the pectinate line
external hemorrhoids - engorgement of venous plexus originating from inferior hemorrhoid veins distal to the pectinate line
hemorrhoids dx
hx
- if pain with bowel movement and no thromboses hemorrhoid may be something else
- fever, night sweats, weight loss -> may be colon cancer
PE
Anoscopy
DRE - should always do one
what do internal hemorrhoid bundles look like on anoscopy?
bulging purplish-blue veins
what do prolapsed internal hemorrhoids look like on anoscopy?
dark pink, glistening, sometimes tender
what do thromboses external hemorrhoids look like on anoscopy?
acutely tender, purplish-blue color