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Chapter 10 Selected Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

10p7 Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures

Zoë Soon

Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures

Hemorrhoids

  • Causes:
    • Persistent irritation from straining during bowel movements.
    • Sitting for long periods on the toilet.
    • Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
    • Obesity and pregnancy increase risk.
    • Low fiber and fluid intake are significant risk factors.
  • Treatment:
    • Rubber band ligation: a simple procedure where a tiny rubber band is placed around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow, causing it to atrophy and fall off.

![Image of Hemorrhoids] (description: swollen, bulging veins in the rectal area from chronic irritation).

Anal Fissures

  • Small tears in the anal canal caused by:
    • Hard, dry stools.
    • Irritation similar to hemorrhoids.
    • Result from straining or trauma during defecation.

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10p7 Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures Copyright © by Zoë Soon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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