Haemorrhoids (Piles)

This review is a pragmatic attempt to highlight recent research and some background reading on haemorrhoids. It should not be considered exhaustive, simply a way of reviewing some of the major developments and current thinking in the area.

Click here to see all the TRIP Evidence Reviews.

Evidence-Based Reports

• Hemorrhoids. Clinical Evidence Concise, 2005
• Fibre and haemorrhoid complications. Bandolier, 2006

Clinical Guidelines

• Practice parameters for the management of hemorrhoids. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, 2005
• American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement: diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids, 2004
• Haemorrhoids. PRODIGY, 2005

Systematic Reviews

• Stapled versus conventional surgery for hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006
• Laxatives for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005
• Conservative management of symptomatic and/or complicated haemorrhoids in pregnancy and the puerperium. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005
• Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2004
• Circular stapled haemorrhoidectomy. NICE, 2003

Recent articles in core journals

• Meta-analysis of flavonoids for the treatment of haemorrhoids. Br J Surg, 2006
• Randomized clinical trial of 0.2 per cent glyceryl trinitrate ointment for wound healing and pain reduction after open diathermy haemorrhoidectomy. Br J Surg, 2006

eTextbooks

• eMedicine
• Ganfyd
• Merck Manual
• GP Notebook

Clinical Queries

• Does increasing fibre have any benefit in people suffering from haemorrhoids? NLH Q&A Service, 2006
• In a pregnant lady what topical agents are safe to use for haemorrhoids after there has been no improvement with Anusol? NLH Q&A Service, 2006

Patient Information

• eMedicine Consumer Health
• NHS Direct Online
• Patient UK
• Medline Plus