Abstract
We have conducted the anal function tests in 40cases of hemorrhoid undergoing radical operation (31cases of Whitehead method and 9cases of Milligan-Morgan method); 43cases of the disease treated conservatively; and 40cases as control. Furthermore, 69cases following Whitehead method were subjected to a study of complaints after the method. The results were: 1) The maximum resting pressure of anal canal was high in cases of severe hemorrhoid. On the other hand, the pressure in aged patients with severe hemorrhoid was significantly lower than those in other age groups. 2) There were no significant differences among groups in the maximum sequeeze pressure. 3) The maximum resting pressure of the anal canal initially decreased in patients after Whitehead operation, but thereafter the pressure normarized to the level in control group. No shortening of the high pressure zone length was noted. 4) No severe complaints nor impairments were observed after Whitehead operations.
It was indicated that excess tension of the internal sphincter muscle of anal canal (an increase in the maximum resting pressure) can cause hemorrhoids, and that an increase in fragility of the internal sphincter muscle of anal canal due to aging may be a probable factor causing hemorrhoid. We think that the Whitehead method has minimal complications if we fully understand the procedure, and is useful for severe hemorrhoids because hemorrhoidal veins are completely removed.
