Hemorrhoids are an affliction of many Americans at some point during their lives.  Although the direct cause is unclear, the constipating effects of a low fiber diet may cause or at least aggravate the condition due to increase pressure placed on the veins of the anus during straining to pass hard feces.  Pregnancy and childbirth can also often cause hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are the distended mucous lining and veins of the anal canal.  They may be internal or external and some internal hemorrhoids may protrude outside the anus, which is often caused by any transitional rise in abdominal pressure such as during a bowel movement, standing, walking, or coughing. 

The first symptom of protruding hemorrhoids is bleeding.  Over time, there is a further descent of the anal mucosa resulting in a mucous discharge, soreness, itching, and often thrombosis where a clot forms in the vein, resulting in acute swelling and pain. 

Although the thrombosis and swelling may gradually subside, the condition frequently re-occurs and requires surgical treatment.  Many mild cases of hemorrhoids respond to simple medical treatments such as warm baths, soothing ointments, steroids, and a high fiber diet.

A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical excision of the hemorrhoidal tissue from the anal canal.  It is the best form of treatment for severe protruding hemorrhoids that are otherwise unresponsive to medical care.