Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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Hemorrhoids are an extremely common affliction. The prevalence ranges from 1 in 25 to 1 in 30 individuals. There was a 20% decrease in the number of hemorrhoidectomies performed between 1978 and 1982. ⋯ Bleeding hemorrhoids can be treated by diet alone, or by injection or rubber-band ligation. Prolapsing hemorrhoids are best treated by rubber-band ligation. The relatively few patients in whom these more conservative measures fail can be considered for hemorrhoidectomy.
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Abscess of the spleen is a rare entity. It may develop after generalized infection, hematologic disorders and trauma. The authors report the case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with a 2-month history of spiking fever, anorexia, fatigue and weight loss. ⋯ Although splenectomy has been advocated as the treatment of choice for splenic abscess, this patient was treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics and simple drainage, preserving the spleen. Cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus. Of all the diagnostic methods available, ultrasonography is the least invasive study that will make the diagnosis and is less expensive than some methods.