title: The acute management of haemorrhoids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the acute thrombosis and strangulation of haemorrhoids is a common condition, there is no consensus as to its most effective treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A PubMed search was undertaken for papers describing the aetiology and treatment of the acute complications of haemorrhoids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The anatomy and treatments for strangulated internal haemorrhoids and thrombosed perianal varices are discussed. Studies of the effectiveness and complications of conservative and operative treatments are reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ambiguities exist in the terminology used to describe the two separate pathologies that make up the acute complications of haemorrhoids. These complications have traditionally been treated conservatively. There is evidence that early operative intervention for strangulated internal haemorrhoids is safe and effective. A suggested algorithm for treatment is given, based on the published literature.
authors.affiliation: Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hardy
authors.forename: C R G
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D061865:Hemorrhoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery