Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids –  Also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids are very common and by age 50, nearly half Americans have hemorrhoids. Common causes of developing hemorrhoids include straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods on the toilet, Pregnancy and childbirth, heavy lifting or obesity, and chronic diarrhea or a low-fiber diet. They can present as pain, tenderness in the anal region and blood in stools. Hemorrhoidal bleeding can be severe enough to cause anemia.

Conservative management  of Hemorrhoids:

• Increase fiber in your diet – fresh fruits, leafy veggies, and whole-grain breads and cereals
• Drink six to eight glasses of fluids
• Maintain good anal hygiene – uses moist toilet paper after each bowel movement, avoid lot of wiping,
• Hemorrhoidal creams or Zinc oxide can be used for mild symptoms
• Sitz bath (warm soaks) can help calm pain or swelling

Procedural Treatment:

• Band ligation – Office based procedure in which a rubber band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood flow. The hemorrhoids slowly fall off. Painless procedure with minor discomfort which resolves in a few hours. Patients usually require 3 office visits 2 weeks apart.
• Hemorrhoidectomy – Surgical removal of hemorrhoids is suggested for large or persistent hemorrhoids.