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A Word on Surgical Treatment for Hemorrhoids

By: Robert Thomson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

When hemorrhoids is accompanied by bleeding from the rectal region or there is blood in the stool, a thorough assessment and proper diagnosis by the doctor is vital. Bleeding can also be a manifestation of other digestive disorders like colorectal cancer.

In making their diagnosis, the doctor will see if there is swelling in the blood vessels of the anus and rectum which is an indication of hemorrhoids. Likewise, the doctor will conduct a digital rectal examination using a gloved, lubricated finger to check for any abnormal conditions.

A closer diagnosis of the rectum will require the use of an anoscope and a proctoscope. The former is a hollow, lighted tube that helps in detecting internal hemorrhoids while the latter is useful for conducting a thorough examination of the entire rectum.

To rule out any possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor will use a sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower colon or a colonoscopy to check the entire colon. In using these devices, lighted, flexible tubes are inserted in the rectal region.

At first, the aim of treating for hemorrhoids is to ease the symptom. Some of the common remedies in reducing the symptoms include warm baths for about 10-15 minutes and applying topical creams and suppositories on the affected region.

Likewise, the recurrence of hemorrhoids can be prevented by reducing the pressure and strain caused by constipation. The most common recommendation is to increase the intake of fibers and fluids. This will result to a softer stool making bowel movement easier and reduction of pressure on hemorrhoids due to straining.

Fruits, whole grains, and vegetables are examples of fiber-rich foods. Aside from that, stool softeners or fiber supplements like Metamucil or Citrucel will be recommended.

In some instances, treatment for hemorrhoids is done using endoscopy or surgery. These surgical treatments for hemorrhoids are designed to reduce the hemorrhoidal tissues. The procedure will be conducted during office or hospital visitations.

There are several surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. In rubber land ligation, a rubber band is positioned to surround the base of the hemorrhoidal tissues within the rectum. The band reduces the circulation and the swelling disappears in a matter of days.

With sclerotherapy, a chemical solution injection is used to decrease the hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy is used to reduce occasional, extensive, or advanced hemorrhoids. Finally, with infrared coagulation, the hemorrhoidal tissue is burned using a special device.

These are some of the most common surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. As always, you need to consult your doctor before undergoing these procedures.