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Evaluation of anemia caused by hemorrhoidal bleeding
1Department of Surgery, Milwaukee Medical Clinic SC, Wisconsin.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Hemorrhoidal bleeding can cause anemia, but treatment of hemorrhoids leads to rapid hemoglobin recovery within six months. Further evaluation is needed if anemia persists after hemorrhoid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Hemorrhoidal bleeding and anemia are common clinical issues.
- Hemorrhoidal bleeding can be a significant cause of anemia, particularly in certain patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of anemia caused by hemorrhoidal bleeding.
- To describe the characteristics of patients experiencing anemia due to hemorrhoids.
- To observe the recovery patterns of anemia following treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review conducted at Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Community Hospital.
- Data collected from patients between 1976 and 1990.
- Analysis of patient demographics, hemorrhoid severity, coagulation status, and hemoglobin levels.
Main Results:
- Anemia due to hemorrhoidal bleeding occurred in 0.5 per 100,000 population annually.
- Most affected patients (93%) had grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids.
- Hemoglobin levels rapidly improved post-hemorrhoidectomy, normalizing within six months.
Conclusions:
- Anemia in the presence of hemorrhoidal bleeding necessitates evaluation for other potential causes.
- Hemorrhoid treatment is effective in resolving anemia, with expected hemoglobin recovery in two to six months.
- Persistent anemia after hemorrhoid treatment warrants further investigation for alternative bleeding sources.