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Anal dilation for hemorrhoids

This procedure widens the anal canal if it has become narrowed because of tightness or spasm in the muscles (anal sphincters) that control the opening and closing of the anus. Anal dilation may be done alone or along with surgical removal of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy).

A general or spinal anesthesia is usually used. The surgeon inserts his or her fingers into the anal canal and gently stretches the sphincter muscles.

Anal dilation is not widely accepted by doctors in the United States as a treatment for hemorrhoids. In fact, some experts believe that the procedure should be abandoned due to excessive risk of complications, including anal incontinence.1

Citations

  1. Sardinha TC, Corman ML (2002). Hemorrhoids. Surgical Clinics of North America, 82(6): 1153–1167.

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brent Shoji, MD
- General Surgery
Last Updated October 10, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 10, 2006
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