Which department should I visit for hemorrhoids?

After hemorrhoids develop, many people pay little attention to this condition and often delay treatment until symptoms become severe. A common misconception about hemorrhoids is that they can resolve spontaneously. So, which department should one visit for hemorrhoid treatment?

Which Department Should One Visit for Hemorrhoid Treatment?

Hemorrhoid patients should consult the Anorectal Surgery Department, the Hemorrhoid Specialty Department, or the General Surgery Department to determine the specific type of hemorrhoids and receive appropriate treatment. The Anorectal Surgery Department is the primary specialty for diagnosing and managing various anorectal disorders. It can accurately assess disease severity, identify underlying causes, and formulate rational treatment plans. Therefore, patients with hemorrhoids are advised to seek care at the Anorectal Surgery Department. Hemorrhoids account for approximately 38% of all anorectal diseases and encompass multiple subtypes, making clinical presentation more complex. Consequently, many hospitals have established dedicated Hemorrhoid Specialty Departments—offering highly specialized care—and patients may opt to be treated there.

Since hemorrhoids are a surgical condition, patients may also seek treatment in the General Surgery Department. However, general surgery covers a broad spectrum of diseases; although it can manage hemorrhoids, its expertise is significantly less focused compared to the Anorectal Surgery or Hemorrhoid Specialty Departments. The availability of a dedicated hemorrhoid or anorectal specialty service depends on the hospital’s level: In Grade A, Level-3 hospitals (the highest tier in China’s hospital classification system), the General Surgery Department is typically subdivided into smaller subspecialties—such as Anal and Rectal Surgery or Colorectal and Anal-Rectal Surgery—equipped to diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. In lower-tier hospitals, surgical departments are usually less specialized, and patients may need to consult either the General Surgery Department or another surgical unit for diagnosis and management.

We recommend seeking initial diagnosis and treatment at public hospitals. In certain regions, reputable private hospitals with strong clinical reputations may also be suitable options. We hope this information proves helpful to you.