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Published on: April 17, 2019
A technique to demonstrate external haemorrhoids
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, SO16 6YD Southampton, UK. r1babu@hotmail.com
Insights
Pediatric hemorrhoids can present as protruding anal lesions, mimicking rectal prolapse. A Foley catheter technique effectively diagnosed external hemorrhoids in children by simulating straining.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Anorectal Disorders
Background:
- Hemorrhoids are uncommon in children but can be misdiagnosed as rectal prolapse or polyps.
- Lack of straining under anesthesia can obscure these lesions, hindering diagnosis and surgical planning.
Observation:
- A novel diagnostic approach using a 20 French Foley catheter with a 30 ml balloon was employed.
- The catheter was inserted rectally, and gentle traction was applied to simulate straining-induced venous pressure.
Findings:
- This technique successfully reproduced the venous pressure associated with straining in three pediatric cases.
- External hemorrhoids were clearly demonstrated as the underlying pathology in all cases.
Implications:
- This method offers a reliable way to diagnose external hemorrhoids in anesthetized children.
- It aids in accurate diagnosis, preventing misidentification with other anorectal conditions and facilitating appropriate surgical intervention.
Abstract:
Although uncommon in children, haemorrhoids are one of the causes of a protruding anal lesion and may be confused with rectal prolapse or prolapse of a rectal polyp. The lesions may not be obvious when the child is anaesthetised because of lack of straining. This may prevent accurate diagnosis and impede identification of the lesion if surgery is being attempted. The authors report 3 cases where a 20 F Foley catheter with 30 ml balloon was inserted rectally and gentle traction applied to reproduce the raised venous pressure generated during straining. On each occasion external haemorrhoids could be demonstrated as the underlying pathology.
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