It is wise to understand the value and purpose of hemorrhoid tissue as a normal part of anorectal anatomy and physiology and their importance in our complex continence mechanisms. It is important to know that surgical removal may result in varying degrees of bowel incontinence that is known to become worse with age.
Hemorrhoids have plagued the upright postured human throughout history. Hemorrhoids were thought to simply be varicose veins in the rectal area. This is also not true. They are actually clusters of vascular tissue including arterioles, venules, arteriolar-venular connections, smooth muscle (Treitz muscle) and connective tissue. Hemorrhoids or fibrovascular cushions are part of the normal anatomy and physiology within the anal canal. They are important in differentiating liquid, solid and gas. They perform important functions in maintaining continence during the presence of increased intrarectal pressure. Also as an individual coughs, strains or sneezes, the fibrovascular cushions engorge and prevent unwanted leakage.
More than half the world’s population will develop hemorrhoid problems. Ten million people in the United States currently have the problem. The peak problematic ages range from 45-65 years. The most common symptoms are itching in the anal area, a protruding lump, bright red bleeding during a bowl movement and pain in the localized area.
By Dr. Frank J. King, Jr.
