INCIDENCE:
More than 80% of the population suffers from hemorrhoids which are formed from the gradual congestion and hypertrophy of the hemorrhoidal veins. The straining effort promotes the congestion of the hemorrhoidal veins which quickly empty after feces pass by. As consequence of the intestinal constipation, the effort drawn out for straining keeps these veins out of the anus, aggravating and speeding up the development of the hemorrhoids; it also occurs during pregnancy and in the weightlifters by increase of the infra-abdominal pressure.

QUOTES, page 81

                 Hemorrhoidectomy     Ligation & Cryosurgery
                     (hospital)              (office)
Doctor's fees           $650                   $358
Assistant               $ 84                not applicable
Anesthetist             $200                not applicable
Hospital Stay         minimum                  none
($800/day x 4)*        $4,800                   $0
Time off work          (week?)                hours
Total COST:            $5,734                  $358

* These are all 2006 Ontario figures.

STATUS
----- Current BC Medical support: NONE
----- Possible B.C. cost savings per 2007: $2 million
----- Established cost savings for Ontario, 2006: $10,547,673+
----- On only 1,962 of all procedures done.

RESOURCE
Advice from the RUDD CLINIC
A Guide to Colorectal Health
by Dr. Warren Rudd
123 Edward Street, #825, Toronto, ON
416-597-5997