Published Paper Details:

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are one of the most prevalent anorectal disorders affecting a large segment of the population worldwide. The condition is characterized by dilatation and engorgement of the hemorrhoidal venous plexus in the anal canal, leading to symptoms such as bleeding per rectum, pain, prolapse, and itching. In Ayurveda, hemorrhoids are described as Arsha, which is included among the Ashta Mahagada (eight dreadful diseases) by Acharya Sushruta due to its chronicity and difficulty in management. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe detailed etiological factors, pathogenesis, classification, and treatment modalities including Bheshaja Chikitsa (conservative therapy), Kshara Karma, Agnikarma, and Shastra Karma. Modern medicine also recognizes hemorrhoids as a common anorectal condition associated with lifestyle factors such as constipation, prolonged sitting, and low-fiber diet. Treatment in modern medicine ranges from conservative management to minimally invasive procedures and surgical hemorrhoidectomy. This article aims to compare the Ayurvedic and modern concepts of hemorrhoids, focusing on etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and management. Special emphasis is given to Ayurvedic parasurgical procedures such as Kshara Sutra therapy, which has shown promising results as a minimally invasive and cost-effective treatment modality for hemorrhoids. The integration of Ayurvedic and modern knowledge may offer improved therapeutic outcomes and better patient compliance.