The diagnosis and management of haemorrhoidal disease from a global perspective

Summary Background A treatment approach for patients with haemorrhoidal disease and other anal disease, which includes the use of topical corticosteroids and other topical combination products, is widely accepted, but little has been published to compare such treatments. This publication is a valuable collection of reading material for gastroenterologists, proctologists, general practitioners, dermatologists and other clinicians who are responsible for diagnosing and managing patients with haemorrhoidal disease. Aims To review and collect existing treatment approaches for haemorrhoidal disease, by reviewing global experience from clinicians that will contribute towards improving best practice in the management of patients. Methods The articles include overviews of haemorrhoidal disease, differential diagnosis, topical treatment and surgical practices and patient outcomes. Case studies further reinforce treatments from individual specialists. Results The articles between them address the classification of haemorrhoids, dermatological differential diagnoses of anal and perianal disease, and the therapeutic management of different haemorrhoidal diseases including invasive surgical and non‐invasive topical combination treatments. The case studies indicate the positive impact of appropriate treatment in everyday clinical practice. Conclusion This publication will reinforce best practice in the causative and symptomatic treatment of haemorrhoidal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31 (Suppl. 1), 1–58