Revised morphology and hemodynamics of the anorectal vascular plexus: impact on the course of hemorrhoidal disease.

Purpose: The pathogenesis of hemorrhoidal disease is based mainly on the vascular hyperplasia theory. The aim of this study was to reassess the morphology and the functional mechanisms of the anorectal vascular plexus with regard to hemorrhoidal disease.

Materials And Methods: The anorectal vascular plexus was investigated in 17 anorectal and five hemorrhoidectomy specimens by means of conventional histology and immunohistochemistry.