What is Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, most commonly known as piles, are normal swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are of two main types - internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum while external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus. Another type that results from the clotting of blood due to external hemorrhoids and very painful is called thrombosed external hemorrhoids.

This is an extremely common condition. 80%-90% of the world’s population suffer from hemorrhoids at least once in a lifetime. There is no need to be alarmed as it can be successfully treated, often with simple lifestyle changes. Surgery is only reserved for a relative few only!

Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids

External Hemorrhoids

• Itching or irritation in the anal region
• Painful bowel movements
• Discomfort
• Swelling around the anus
• Bleeding

Internal Hemorrhoids

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements
• Fecal leakage

Thrombosed Haemorrhoids

• Extreme pain
• Swelling & inflammation
• Hard lump near the anus

Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when veins around the anus stretch due to pressure or swelling. This pressure results from:

• Straining while passing bowels
• Sitting for too long in the toilet
• Suffering from chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Regular anal intercourse
• Consumption of low-fibre diet

Treatment of Piles

Hemorrhoids can sometimes be extremely painful and discomforting, in certain cases even embarrassing. Piles Treatment can be successfully done depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the most common treatment approaches are as follows:

• Medication: If the condition causes mild pain or discomfort, the doctors may suggest certain medications, ointments, suppositories, or pads. They help with the pain and itching. It is suggested to consult a doctor before using any over-the-counter medication or creams.
• Rubber Band Ligation: Rubber band ligation is a minimally invasive treatment procedure in which two small rubber bands are placed around the base of the internal hemorrhoid. This simply cuts off the circulation around it and the hemorrhoid withers and eventually falls off within a few days’ time.
• Coagulation: Coagulation is another surgical treatment that uses laser, heat, or infrared light to harden internal hemorrhoids resulting in them falling off. This treatment can have a few manageable side effects and may cause some pain or discomfort or discharge.

Other Surgical Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a complex surgical procedure in which excessive tissues that cause bleeding are removed. This procedure is one of the most effective ways of treating severe or recurring hemorrhoids. Most of them tolerate this well but in a rare few certain complication can arise post-surgery which may include temporary difficulty in passing urine, and rarely UTI (urinary tract infection).

Hemorrhoidectomy is generally done under regional anesthesia combined with sedation or general anesthesia.

Hemorrhoid Stapling: Hemorrhoid stapling is medically termed as hemorrhoidopexy or stapled anopexy. It is a procedure that blocks the flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue and is used for treating internal hemorrhoids. Although it is less painful than a formal open hemorrhoidectomy, it can often have serious sideeffects such as recurrence, rectal prolapse, bleeding, urinary retention, or sepsis (life-threatening blood infection). These complications occurring are very rare but worthwhile to consult a specialist doctor before making any decisions.

Easy Ways of Preventing Hemorrhoids

• Consuming Fiber-rich Foods: Include fiber-rich foods and vegetables in your diet. This helps soften the stool and prevents straining that often causes hemorrhoids.
• Keep Yourself Well-Hydrated: Keeping yourself well-hydrated will keep your stools soft and prevent straining. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water and other non-alcoholic beverages every day.
• Avoid Straining: Straining or holding your breath while passing stool can exert more pressure on the veins in the lower rectum causing them to rupture, leading to hemorrhoids.
• Don’t Hold the Urge To Pass Stool: If you do not go as soon as you feel the urge to pass stool, it may dry out and become harder to pass later.
• Avoid Sitting for Prolonged Periods: Sitting for too long, especially on the toilet, can exert pressure on the veins in the anus.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help prevent constipation which in turn helps prevent hemorrhoids.

Why BGS Gleneagles Hospital for Piles Treatment?

BGS Gleneagles Hospital is one of the best Quaternary care superspeciality hospitals in Bangalore as it houses the top surgeons with superspeciality expertise and doctors who are extremely skilled and knowledgeable. The Team is also backed with highly trained support staff, world-class technology, and state-of-the-art infrastructure making BGS Gleneagles Hospital the best suited to look after your problems in Bangalore.