Haemorrhoids: A doctor's dilemma

Abstract

The different forms of treatment for haemorrhoids are described. These include conservative therapy, elastic band ligation, sclerotherapy, cryosurgery, anal dilatation, lateral sphincterotomy and formal surgery. Controlled trials comparing these methods of treatment indicate that surgery should be rarely performed. Of the remaining methods available, elastic band ligation or anal dilatation are recommended. © 1981 The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine.