Also known as Haemorrhoids

ABOUT THE DISEASE

Haemorrhoids are enlarged/dilated veins around the rectum. They are of two kinds, internal and external. Internal haemorrhoids occur in the veins just inside the rectum. They are usually not painful, but may bleed and protrude outside. External haemorrhoids involve the veins outside the anus and can be felt as a painful swelling or hard lump near the anus. They are often itchy and may crack and bleed. Sometimes clots will form in the veins making them swollen and painful, called as thrombosed haemorrhoids.

SYMPTOMS

• Rectal bleeding, usually bright red, at the time of bowel movement.
• Anal pain, especially during bowel movements.
• Anal itching or burning.
• One or more hard tender lumps near the anus.

CAUSES

Various factors can lead to the development of haemorrhoid problems:
- Pregnancy- this increases the pressure in the haemorrhoidal veins.
- Constipation/ Straining to have a bowel movement.
- Obesity.
- Anal infections.
- Sitting for long periods of time.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Anoscopy
- Colonoscopy

TREATMENT METHODS

Treatments for haemorrhoids include:

- Medicated creams and suppositories
- Stool softeners
- Sitz bath

In severe cases a surgical intervention might be required
The techniques include-
- Banding
- Sclerotherapy
- Coagulation (Infrared/Laser)
- Haemorrhoidectomy
- Stapler Haemorrhoidectomy
- HAL with RAR (Haemorrhoidal artery ligation with Recto anal repair)

You may also like to learn about:

Anal fissure
Fistula in ano
Ulcerative colitis
Crohns disease
Constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome