Leech therapy for haemorrhoids or piles.
Hemorrhoids are defined as dilated plexus (network) of superior haemorrhoidal veins, in relation to the anal canal. Hemorrhoids have become very common disease occurs in both male and female. They are the swollen veins present in the anus and the lower rectum and resembles like varicose veins. Leech therapy for hemorrhoids or piles can help to reduce swelling and pain.
Types of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are classified into three groups:-
- Primary /idiopathic hemorrhoids
- Secondary hemorrhoids
- Depending upon the location of hemorrhoids.
Primary/idiopathic hemorrhoids
The causes for primary hemorrhoids are:-
- Standing position:- The standing position of the human being is partly responsible for piles because blood has to flow against gravity.
- Anatomical factor:- The veins passing through the submucosa of the rectum, get constricted during the act of passing stool.
- Familial or genetic:- In familial or genetic the absence of valve or congenital weakness of the vein wall is seen.
- Constipation:- The patient with constipation has to exert excessive straining which causes the protrusion of piles in the anus.
Thus in primary causes, gravity, straining and irregular bowel habits are important factors that are responsible for the development of piles.
Secondary hemorrhoids
The causes of secondary hemorrhoids are:-
- Carcinoma of the rectum:- The carcinoma (cancer) of rectum causes blocking of veins which produces back pressure and can manifest in the form of piles.
- Portal hypertension:- It is an uncommon cause of pile and produces rectal varices.
- Pregnancy:- In pregnancy due to the compression on superior rectal veins or due to increased level of progesterone which causes relaxes smooth muscle in the wall of the veins can cause hemorrhoids.
Depending upon the location of the hemorrhoids
This is further divided into three:-
- Internal hemorrhoids:- It is present above the dentate line (this line divide upper two-third and lower third of anal canal) which is covered with mucous membrane.
- External haemorrhoids:- It is present at anal verge which is covered with skin.
- Interno-external:- In this, both varieties are present together.
Location of haemorrhoids in the body
Classically situated in the 3,7,11 o’clock position (left lateral, right posterior and right anteriorly).
Superior haemorrhoidal artery (vein) gives two branches on the right side and one branch on the left side. Hence, piles are two on the right side and one on the left side.