Haemorrhoids

Symptoms of haemorrhoids depend on the type and severity but may include:

• Painless Bleeding: This might happen during bowel movements. You might notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet.
• Itching or Irritation: In the anal region.
• Pain or Discomfort: Especially when sitting.
• Swelling: Around the anus.
• A Lump Near Your Anus: Which may be sensitive or painful (may indicate an external haemorrhoid).
• Leakage of Faeces: Can occur with internal haemorrhoids.

A doctor can often diagnose haemorrhoids based on a physical examination. Visual inspection of the anus and surrounding area may diagnose external or prolapsed haemorrhoids. A rectal exam may be performed to detect possible rectal tumours, polyps, an enlarged prostate, or abscesses. To confirm the diagnosis of internal haemorrhoids, a doctor may perform an anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.

Conservative Treatments:

For mild cases of haemorrhoids, several measures can be taken at home:

• Dietary Changes: Increasing fibre intake can soften stools and reduce the strain that can cause haemorrhoids.
• Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories for relief.
• Sitz Baths: Sitting in warm water for about 15 minutes, several times a day, especially after bowel movements.
• Good Hygiene: Keeping the anal area clean is important.
• Pain Relievers: Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help relieve pain.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options:

If conservative treatments do not help or if haemorrhoids are particularly large, one of the following outpatient or in-office procedures may be considered:

• Rubber Band Ligation: A band is placed around the base of a haemorrhoid to cut off blood supply, causing it to wither away.
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the haemorrhoid tissue to shrink it.
• Infrared, Laser, or Bipolar Coagulation: Techniques that use heat or a laser to harden and shrivel small haemorrhoids.

Surgical Treatment Options:

For severe cases or those that do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be necessary:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: The excess tissue causing bleeding is removed. This is the most effective and complete way to treat severe or recurring haemorrhoids.]
• Haemorrhoid Stapling: This is used primarily to treat internal haemorrhoids by cutting off the blood flow to the haemorrhoid tissue.

Recovery time varies depending on the treatment. Simple dietary changes can provide relief within a few days, and most symptoms of mild haemorrhoids resolve without treatment. Surgical treatments can take a few weeks for full recovery, and pain management may be necessary. Following a high-fibre diet and taking sitz baths can help with the recovery process.

• For Non-Surgical Treatments: There may be minor pain or discomfort, and a small risk of bleeding or infection.
• For Surgical Treatments: These carry a higher risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, and reaction to anaesthesia. There can also be urinary retention problems post-surgery.