Conservative Treatment of Hemorrhoidal Disease

Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions underlying the distal rectal mucosa and contributing to approximately 15-20% of the resting anal pressure with a complete closure of the anal canal. They can become pathological (hemorrhoidal disease, HD) being the most common cause of painless rectal bleeding during defecation with or without prolapsing anal tissue. The treatment of HD must be tailored to both the severity of disease and patient's expectation.

A narrative review of all the most relevant papers present on the three major databases (PUBMED, EMBASE and WEB OF SCIENCE) regarding conservative treatment was conducted.

Conservative treatment is effective in managing the majority of patients complaining of early stages of the disease. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are the first therapeutic step necessary to achieve a regular defecation with soft stool whereas oral phlebotonic drugs can help to control symptoms. The use of topical medications, particularly during the acute phase or in the post-operative period can also be beneficial for all patients complaining of HD.

Despite a large number of available products in the market and the high incidence of HD, very few randomized controlled trials have been carried out and most of the studies are uncontrolled case series. Larger and better designed studies are necessary to establish the real benefit of all types of drugs for the treatment of early stages of HD.