Guidelines for the treatment of hemorrhoids (short report)

T Higuero1, L Abramowitz2, A Castinel3

  • 111, boulevard du général Leclerc, 06240 Beausoleil, France.

Insights

New French guidelines emphasize medical treatment for hemorrhoids first. Instrumental or surgical options are reserved for treatment failures or advanced prolapse, with pain management crucial post-procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Colo-proctology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Hemorrhoids are a common, often benign, medical condition.
  • Previous recommendations for hemorrhoid management were issued in 2001.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the revised recommendations from the French Society of Colo-Proctology (SNFCP) for hemorrhoid management.
  • To outline the updated approach to treating hemorrhoids based on current literature and expert consensus.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature and expert opinion by the SNFCP.
  • Development of updated guidelines for hemorrhoid treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Medical treatment, including dietary fiber, is the recommended first-line approach.
  • Instrumental treatment is indicated if medical therapy fails, except for grade III or higher prolapse.
  • Surgery is considered a last resort, with patient education on alternatives like ambulatory surgery emphasized.

Conclusions:

  • The revised SNFCP recommendations prioritize conservative management for hemorrhoids.
  • A stepwise approach, from medical to instrumental and surgical interventions, is advised.
  • Systematic pain prevention strategies, including pudendal block and multimodal analgesics, are essential for surgical outcomes.

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