[Hemorrhoids--etiology, symptoms and therapy]

Hemorrhoids are a very widespread disease causing pain by thrombosis, fear by bleeding and be a burden by weeping and pruritus. The different treatments show the different interpretations of physicians and patients. This paper will give a view of the most common and standardized procedures. Rubber band ligation is the most effective procedure in treating 1st and 2nd grade hemorrhoids. Surgical procedure is best in 2nd and 3rd grade disease. Recurrency is between 0.5 and 5% only. Technical development in surgical practice was leading to less pain in postoperative period by using diathermy, non-traumatic technique and avoiding of tampons. Using these principles hemorrhoidectomy allows a short hospital stay according to the individual needs of the patient. Special care should be given on urinary retention, the most common complication in anorectal surgery.