Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy »
What are hemorrhoids?
A precise definition of hemorrhoids does not exist, but they
can be described as masses or clumps ("cushions") of tissue within the anal
canal that contain blood vessels and the surrounding, supporting tissue made
up of muscle and elastic
fibers. The anal canal is the last four centimeters through which stool passes
as it goes from the rectum to the outside world. The anus is the opening of the
anal canal to the outside world.
Although most people think hemorrhoids are abnormal, they
are present in everyone. It is only when the hemorrhoidal cushions enlarge that
hemorrhoids can cause problems and be considered abnormal or a disease.
Prevalence of hemorrhoids
Although hemorrhoids occur in everyone, they become large and cause problems in
only 4% of the general population. Hemorrhoids that cause problems are
found equally in men and women, and their prevalence peaks between 45 and 65
years of age.
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I had large bowl movements for the majority of my life. ( I am 21 yrs old) In 2009 I started noticing moderate pain after I would pass a bowl movement. Over time the pain would get worse and worse. Finally I went and had a colonoscopy done and he found an anal fissure. We tried a few methods to clear it up but it just would not go away. I finally agreed to have the surgery. When I woke up from the surgery he said he had found not one anal fissure but a series of small ones that he cannot repair. So now I still have the pain not only when passing stools but also during intercourse! This has become such a frusterating part of my life. I am taking fiber and stool softeners and that is making me go more frequently but it is not relieving any of my pain. The fissures are not seeming to go away!
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