Different Surgical Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are caused when the veins around the anus and lower rectum become inflamed and swollen and become prone to rupture and bleeding.



Blood clots that come about inside the anus because of this bleeding can cause great discomfort and pain when passing stool or sitting. While doctors are still unsure of what exactly cause hemorrhoids, they have identified which groups of people are more likely to suffer this affliction at sometime in their lives.



Pregnant women, people suffering from obesity, people who consume large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, and those who do not get enough dietary fiber and water are most likely to fall victim to this painful condition. Prevention is just a matter of a healthier lifestyle.



Drink more water, get more exercise, make sure fiber rich vegetables form a large part of your meals, avoid sitting for extended periods, and take vitamin supplements. All these measures increase the body's vascular circulation, thereby strengthening vein walls and making them less susceptible to rupture and swelling.



There are many treatments available for hemorrhoids and this depends on the condition and symptoms. External hemorrhoids that occur outside the rectal canal can be helped with topical ointments and creams to decrease the pain, if detected early.



Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anal cavity and these often go undetected due to the lack of pain receptors in this area. Often, when left unattended, the inflamed internal vein becomes distended and extends outside the anus. This condition is known as prolapsed or strangulated hemorrhoids.



Most surgical procedures to remove hemorrhoids are simple and work on the principle of cutting off arterial blood flow to the inflamed vein, which causes the hemorrhoids to shrivel and fall. Doppler filigation, rubber band litigation, sclerotherapy and hemorrhoidectomy are the most common surgical procedures used to remove hemorrhoids and are all relatively safe and simple surgeries.

Another exam called Sigmoidoscopy is the examination of the large intestine from the rectum to the colon. This type of examination is minimally invasive and is similar to although not the same as a colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy is an effective screening tool in order to determine that there are no other health concerns besides hemorrhoids.



There are two types. There is a flexible sigmoidoscopy tool which is used more often and there is also a rigid sigmoidoscopy tool. While a colonoscopy examines the entire colon, sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid or pelvic colon.



In order for the patient to have the exam using the flexible sigmoidoscopy, the colon and rectum must be completely empty. The patient can't eat or drink anything between 12 and 24 hours before the exam other than clear liquids. The patient may have bouillon, gelatin, fruit juice (no fiber), water, plain tea or coffee and diet soft drinks. The night before the exam the patient will be given a laxative or enema to wash out the intestines.



The procedure can take place as an outpatient as no sedation is required. Although generally considered safe, like any procedure there is a possibility of some risk. Although rare, the possibility of tearing the intestinal wall by the instrument can occur. Should this happen, then immediate major surgery will be necessary to repair the tear. Some bleeding may occur when a polyp is removed but this can usually be stopped by cauterizing the area.



During the procedure, the patient will lie on their left side on the examination table. The doctor will insert a short, flexible tube into the rectum and up into the colon. The scope will transmit an image of the inside of the rectum and colon. This procedure will take between 10 and 20 minutes. The patient may feel some pressure and slight cramping in the abdomen during the procedure.