F . a . S . C . R . S . 37 Anal Procedures for Benign Disease

The frequency of hemorrhoid surgery continues to diminish. More patients seem to be achieving adequate symptomatic relief by means of bowel control medications and improved diet (e.g., increased intake of fiber, fruit, vegetables, and grain) [see 5:17 Benign Rectal, Anal,and Perineal Problems]. It is probable that both for these reasons and because more and better patient information is available, fewer patients today have hemorrhoids that progress to a stage advanced enough to necessitate operative treatment for relief of symptoms.