Anal dilatation and haemorrhoidectomy. A prospective study.

The results of haemorrhoidectomy alone and anal dilatation alone for the treatment of 20 patients with second or third degree haemorrhoids were assessed prospectively over a 12-month period. After haemorrhoidectomy the symptoms of bleeding, lump, pruritus and discharge disappeared, and anal continence was maintained. Proctoscopy showed the occasional development of secondary piles high in the anal canal. Of those patients having an anal dilation alone, nearly half had symptoms and one had a mucus leak. Anal continence was unalttered in the remainder. Proctoscopy indicated the loss of anal venous engorgement.