Surgical anatomy of hemorrhoids

Abstract

It is surprising that, in this era of advanced medical achievements, the etiology of one of the commonest human afflictions is not exactly known. Many theories have been advanced regarding the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids, but none is entirely satisfactory. The result of studies on the surgical anatomy of the anal canal is presented with the object of obtaining a clearer understanding of its function in the light of its anatomic structure. A knowledge of such a structural-functional relationship seems necessary for understanding anal pathologies, including hemorrhoids. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2009.