Hemorrhoids (synonyms: Blind veins; Golden veins; Hemorrhoidal nodes; Hemorrhoidal disease; ICD-10-GM K64.-: Hemorrhoids) are actually normal erectile tissues at the end of the anal canal for its fine closure. They consist of the superior hemorrhoidal plexus or the corpus cavernosum recti (erectile tissue in the region of the anus). Only in case of an enlargement of the same and existing complaints a hemorrhoidal disease exists.
Grading of hemorrhoids according to Goligher
| Grade | Findings |
| I | Proctoscopy only visible enlarged superior hemorrhoidal plexus |
| II | Prolapse (prolapse) during defecation (bowel movement) – retracts (withdraws) spontaneously |
| III | Prolapse during defecation – does not retract spontaneously; only manually reducible (can be returned to original position) |
| IV | Prolapse permanently fixed – irreducible |
Sex ratio: men are slightly more commonly affected than women.
Frequency peak: hemorrhoidal disease is largely independent of age. In most cases, affected individuals are older than 30 years.
The prevalence (disease incidence) is 50-70% (in Germany); about 50% of all adults will be affected by symptomatic hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
Surgery is required in only about 5% of all cases.
Course and prognosis: The prognosis is better the earlier therapy is started. However, many sufferers delay seeing a doctor out of shyness. The discomfort caused by the enlarged hemorrhoids, such as pruritus ani (itching at the anus), pain, oozing or bleeding in the anal region, is unpleasant. The disease often occurs recurrently (recurring). Appropriate measures such as a high-fiber diet, exercise and weight normalization can prevent recurrent hemorrhoidal disease. If hemorrhoids are severe, surgical intervention may be required.
