Concepts of Hemorrhoids and Its Treatment in Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine

Abstract

Background: In this text, the important points of Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine on hemorrhoidal disease and its treatment have been introduced in light of colorectal surgery. Objectives: The aim of this study is to briefly explain the hemorrhoidal disease and its treatment through different sections of Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine. A unique feature of the Canon is careful and precise observations and description of the disorders and diseases. However, the recommended treatment differs from which that used today except in a few diseases. Methods: The most detailed chapter regarding hemorrhoid in Canon of Avicenna, under the title of “Anal disease,” shows rather precise knowledge about anal disease and their surgical treatments in the 11th century. Results and Discussion: Avicenna explained in detail about anal diseases such as perianal abscess, fissure, rectal prolapse, and hemorrhoid in the 17th chapter of the 3rd volume of the Canon. Many herbs were used in anal disease by medieval physicians such asAvicennahadantioxidantandanti-inflammatoryeffects. Thus,theknowledgeof ancientphysiciancanhelpusindevelopingnew therapeutic methods.