Hemorrhoids historical perspective

Hemorrhoids Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hemorrhoids from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hemorrhoids historical perspective On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hemorrhoids historical perspective All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hemorrhoids historical perspective
CDC on Hemorrhoids historical perspective
Hemorrhoids historical perspective in the news
Blogs on Hemorrhoids historical perspective
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hemorrhoids
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hemorrhoids historical perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

Overview

Hemorrhoids were first discovered by ancient Egyptians more than 3,700 years ago.

Historical Perspective

• Hemorrhoids were known 3,700 years ago by ancient Egyptians. A recipe for an ointment made of ground acacia leaves was described in an ancient Egyptian manuscript.
• The ancient Greek medical textbook “Hippocratic Corpus” described a maneuver that is similar to rubber band ligation as we know it today.
• Roman encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus described band ligation and discussed possible complications. The Roman surgeon Galen suggested severing the connection between arteries and veins in an attempt to relieve the pain and the spread of infection.
• During the sixth century, hemorrhoids were known as Saint Fiacre’s curse after a saint who developed them after working in his farm.
• In 1398, the word “hemorrhoids” was first used in English after the French word “emorroides,” which developed from the Latin word “hæmorrhoida”. "Hæmorrhoida" means liable to bleeding.