Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Patient-reported outcome measures and surgery for Crohn's disease: systematic review.

BJS open·2023

Same author

Risks Factors Associated with the Development of Crohn's Disease After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of Crohn's & colitis·2023

Same author

Long-term outcomes of pouch surveillance and risk of neoplasia in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Endoscopy·2023

Same author

Current and future role of three-dimensional modelling technology in rectal cancer surgery: A systematic review.

World journal of gastrointestinal surgery·2022

Same author

Towards Standardisation of Technique for En Bloc Sacrectomy for Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Cancer.

Journal of clinical medicine·2021

Same author

The clinical application of electrical impedance technology in the detection of malignant neoplasms: a systematic review.

Journal of translational medicine·2020

Same journal

Rheumatoid arthritis: previously untreated early disease.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016

Same journal

Diabetic retinopathy: intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors for diabetic macular oedema.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016

Same journal

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (spontaneous aneurysmal).

BMJ clinical evidence·2016

Same journal

Malaria: fluid therapy in severe disease.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016

Same journal

Age-related macular degeneration: anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016

Same journal

MRSA: treating people with infection.

BMJ clinical evidence·2016

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery

Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery

Published on: June 23, 2023

Haemorrhoids.

George E Reese¹, Alexander C von Roon, Paris P Tekkis

¹Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College, London, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence

|May 19, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review evaluates treatments for hemorrhoidal disease, analyzing 44 studies. It provides evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for this common condition.

More Related Videos

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery

Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery

Published on: June 23, 2023

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Colorectal Surgery

Background:

Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions in the anal canal.
Accurate incidence is unknown, but millions are affected.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review the effects of treatments for hemorrhoidal disease.
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various hemorrhoid interventions.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of 44 studies (reviews, RCTs, observational studies).
Searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library up to May 2008.
Included harms alerts from FDA and MHRA.

Main Results:

Evaluated evidence quality using GRADE methodology.
Identified multiple interventions for hemorrhoidal disease.

Conclusions:

Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of interventions including hemorrhoidectomy (closed, open, stapled), ligation, coagulation, injection, and ablation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of current treatment options for hemorrhoids.