What are hemorrhoids? Well, you are born with hemorrhoids, and they are there your entire life. Hemorrhoids are a part of your normal anatomy and act as a part of your continence system. They should not hurt, bleed, or pop out. If they do, you should meet with a Center for Colon & Rectal Health surgeon for evaluation.
Problems with hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus or lower rectum swell and become inflamed or engorged. They may be painful, cause discomfort such as itching, and bleed in many cases. This is often the result of straining during a bowel movement and can occur during pregnancy, aging, constipation, or diarrhea.
Hemorrhoids are often confused with other issues such as fissures and mild irritation. However, hemorrhoidal symptoms often last longer than other conditions and will return even after they go away for some time. One of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids is the appearance of blood in one’s stool. Suffering from hemorrhoids can make everyday life tasks painful and uncomfortable, not only going to the bathroom, but even sitting or moving around as well. It is important that a physician accurately diagnoses you for hemorrhoids before treatment.
When hemorrhoids become painful, they are often clotted. You will likely feel a lump. If seen early, your colorectal surgeon can often remove the clot. Doing this will relieve pain and help you heal faster.
You don’t have to continue living with the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Just because you have hemorrhoids doesn’t mean you require surgery. There are several treatment options that are offered at the Center for Colon & Rectal Health.
Treatment Options
High Fiber Supplements
Treatment for hemorrhoids often starts with simple measures.
You might begin with a daily recommended dose of 30-35 grams of fiber. This is equivalent to 6-7 bowls of a high-fiber cereal. Fiber capsules typically have 1 gram of fiber. Most fiber powders typically have 3 grams of fiber per teaspoon. Your colorectal surgeon will likely recommend using Konsyl, which has 6 grams of fiber per teaspoon. Be sure to drink a full glass of water after any fiber supplement. Fiber holds water in the stool to keep it soft.
In-Office Procedures for Hemorrhoids
When internal hemorrhoids are enlarged and bleed, office treatments may be all you need. The most common and effective in-office procedure for hemorrhoids is Barron ligation or “rubber banding”. The surgeon basically ties the hemorrhoid at the base which chokes it off. After a period of time, rubber banding causes the hemorrhoid to fall off with a bowel movement.
Infrared Coagulation (IRC) is a type of “laser” to treat bleeding hemorrhoids.
Our surgeons also offer Sclerotherapy. The surgeon injects a substance that ultimately makes the bleeding stop. This treatment is an office procedure that can be done safely for patients on anticoagulants (blood thinners).
Surgery
Hemorrhoid surgery might be recommended by your Center for Colon & Rectal Health specialist. You’ll want to review the multiple options with your surgeon before making a decision about what is best for you.
Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy – The surgeon removes the hemorrhoid entirely. The defect is then sewn closed with sutures. This may be necessary when a significant external (outside) component is present but is quite uncomfortable post-operatively.
Minimally Invasive Hemorrhoid Surgery
The Center for Colon & Rectal Health surgeons offer hemorrhoid surgical procedures that are less invasive. These treatment options involve no excision or cutting of tissue. This means minimal pain and discomfort for you. You might also experience faster healing time and a quicker return to normal activity.
PPH (Procedure for Prolapsing Hemorrhoids or Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy) – The colorectal surgeon removes a ring of tissue that includes the blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoids. This also pulls up the tissues that prolapse out during a bowel movement. A staple line is left where the tissue is put back together.
THD (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization) – The colorectal surgeon uses sutures to tie off the vessels that feed the hemorrhoids. The prolapsed portion is sewn back inside. No tissue is removed unless preplanned with your colorectal surgeon.
More Information
Our goal is to provide you with a safe and comfortable environment. Every patient is different. We strive to offer you the most accurate and effective treatment options.
Please contact Bucks County’s premier colorectal group to schedule an appointment and to learn more.
St. Mary Medical Center
St. Clare Medical Building, Suite 130
1203 Langhorne-Newtown Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-741-4910
More information can be found at the following websites:
http://www.ethiconendosurgery.com/Clinician/Product/stapling/pph
http://www.thdamerica.com