Everyone has hemorrhoids — they are blood vessels within the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoid disease occurs when the hemorrhoid tissue becomes enlarged or irritated. You can experience pain, itching, protrusion, bleeding and sensitive lump(s). There are many causes of hemorrhoid irritation including; aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, heredity, straining during bowel movements, overuse of laxatives and spending long periods of time on the commode.
Our physicians have completed advanced training in the treatment of hemorrhoid disease. We are committed to providing our patients with an exceptional level of care and attention. Our dedicated staff works together as a team to address patient’s concerns and treat each patient with compassion and dignity using safe and effective hemorrhoid treatments. During your initial consultation, the doctor will determine which treatment is best for your type of hemorrhoid disease, which include:
Medication
Sometimes topical medications, fiber and dietary changes are all that is necessary to relieve symptoms.
Hemorrhoid Ligation
Also known as ‘banding’, this treatment works effectively on internal hemorrhoids that protrude with bowel movements. A small rubber band is placed over the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid and the band fall off in a few days and the wound usually heals in a week or two. This procedure sometimes produces mild discomfort and bleeding and may need to be repeated to achieve optimal results. This procedure can be done in the office or at our Endoscopy Center as an outpatient procedure with minimal time off work.
Infrared Coagulation
A small probe is placed in contact with the area above the hemorrhoid, exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and recede. This is a quick, easy, painless, non-surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. This FDA-approved procedure takes only about 10 minutes and can be done in the office — patients can even return to work following the appointment.
Hemorrhoid Stapling
This is a technique that uses a special device to internally staple and excise internal hemorrhoidal tissue. The stapling method may lead to shrinkage of tissue, but does not remove external hemorrhoids. The procedure is generally more painful than rubber band ligation and less painful than hemorrhoidectomy.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Surgery to remove the hemorrhoids is the most complete method for removal of internal and external hemorrhoids. It is necessary when (1) clots repeatedly form in external hemorrhoids; (2) ligation fails to treat internal hemorrhoids; (3) the protruding hemorrhoid cannot be reduced; or (4) there is persistent bleeding. A hemorrhoidectomy removes excessive tissue that causes the bleeding and protrusion. It is done under anesthesia using either sutures or staplers and may, depending upon circumstances, require hospitalization and a period of inactivity.