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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between the habit of khat chewing and the development of hemorrhoidal disease. METHODS: Four hundred and seventy four individuals (373 men and 101 women) with ages ranging from 17 to 80 years were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=247) chronic khat chewers. Group 2 (n=200) non-khat chewers. Data was collected regarding chewing habits, colorectal symptoms, abdominal, proctoscopic, and operative findings. RESULTS: The key difference between the 2 groups was the incidence of hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidectomy. In the chronic khat chewers group: 169 (62%) had hemorrhoids. Of these 124 (45.4%) underwent hemorrhoidectomy. In the control group there is 8 (4%) had hemorrhoids and one patient underwent hemorrhoidectomy (0.5%). P-value (0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a significant association between the habit of khat chewing and the development of hemorrhoidal disease.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

475

Last Page

477

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