Indirect assessment of hemorrhoid incidence using invasive treatment data in Japan: A 5-year study based on nationwide health insurance claims

Abstract

Aim

The epidemiology of hemorrhoids is challenging because of variability in sampling methodologies and diagnostic criteria across different studies. This study indirectly clarified the epidemiology of hemorrhoids by investigating the number of invasive treatments for hemorrhoids (ITH) using a nationwide healthcare claims database.

Methods

The annual number and rate of ITH procedures per 100 000 people during 2018–2022 were examined. ITH covered by the Japanese healthcare insurance includes sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, thrombectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, and stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The demographic peak patterns in the sex- and age-stratified data were analyzed. Annual trends were evaluated using the Jonckheere–Terpstra trend test or Poisson regression model.

Results

Over the 5-year period, the total number of ITH was 697 838, with a rate of 110.5 per 100 000 person-years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1, indicating slight male predominance. Demographic peak analysis revealed bimodal peaks in males aged 40–44 and 75–79 years, and in females aged 35–39 and 75–79 years. No significant changes were observed in all ITH procedures. The age-adjusted number across all age groups per 100 000 person-years demonstrated annual decreasing trends for males but increasing trends for females (p < 0.0167). Subgroup analysis indicated a decrease among older cohorts in both males and females, in contrast to an increase among young and middle-aged females (p < 0.00088).

Conclusion

Distinct bimodal ITH peaks were observed in males and females in their 30s–40s and 70s. These findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of hemorrhoids.