A technique to demonstrate external haemorrhoids.

Although uncommon in children, haemorrhoids are one of the causes of a protruding anal lesion and may be confused with rectal prolapse or prolapse of a rectal polyp. The lesions may not be obvious when the child is anaesthetised because of lack of straining. This may prevent accurate diagnosis and impede identification of the lesion if surgery is being attempted. The authors report 3 cases where a 20 F Foley catheter with 30 ml balloon was inserted rectally and gentle traction applied to reproduce the raised venous pressure generated during straining. On each occasion external haemorrhoids could be demonstrated as the underlying pathology.