Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are vascular cushions in lining the anal canal. They are a normal part of the anatomy of the anal canal. There are two types, external and internal.
Only when you begin to experience symptoms, is treatment needed. Hemorrhoids are caused by constipation, pregnancy and heavy lifting. You may experience burning, itching, pain, or bleeding. It is important to remember that other anal conditions can cause similar symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with hemorrhoids, there are several treatment options which may alleviate the need for surgery. An increase in fiber and fluids can relieve the pain. A sitz bath can also provide relief. (This is a warm water bath for about 10 minutes). In cases where the pain is significant, your doctor may remove the hemorrhoid with a small incision. This is performed under local anesthesia. Severe hemorrhoids may require special treatment.

• Ligation (a.k.a. the rubber band treatment) works on internal hemorrhoids. A small rubber band is placed over the hemorrhoid to stop the blood supply. The hemorrhoid and the band will fall off in a few days. This procedure may also be repeated for 100% effectiveness.
• Injection and Coagulation can be used on bleeding hemorrhoids that do not protrude. Both are essentially painless and cause the hemorrhoid to shrivel up.
• Hemorrhoidectomy is surgery and the most complete method to remove internal and external hemorrhoids. This is necessary when the clots repeatedly form in external hemorrhoids, ligation fails, the protruding hemorrhoid can not be reduced or there is consistent bleeding. This surgery is done under anesthesia using either sutures or staplers and may require hospitalization. Laser hemorrhoidectomies do not offer any advantage over standard techniques. They are not less painful and can be quite expensive.

We also offer the CRH O’Regan System, which doesn’t require surgery. Unlike other banding techniques that use a metal clamp, this system used a smaller, gentler disposable suction device to minimize the discomfort. The procedure takes about 10 seconds to 1 minute!! and you are out of work for no longer than 1 day. There is no pain medication required either.