Haemorrhoids. Essentials of clinical management.
BACKGROUND: Haemorrhoids are a frequent and familiar concern of patients in the GP surgery setting. OBJECTIVE: In this article, practical guidelines regarding the diagnosis and treatment of haemorrhoidal disease will be discussed. DISCUSSION: Careful diagnostic skills are required to recognise the differences between internal and external haemorrhoids and other significant anorectal pathology. With appropriate diagnosis, most haemorrhoids can be treated successfully nonsurgically in an office setting.