Advanced Hemorrhoid Center
Hemorrhoids are also referred to as “piles” and are similar to varicose veins but they develop in your lower rectum and anus. Everyone is born with these veins but they only become a problem when they become swollen and enlarged and begin to cause painful symptoms.
Types of Hemorrhoids
- Internal Hemorrhoids – develop inside the rectum which connects the large intestine (colon) to the anus.
- External Hemorrhoids – develop under the skin around the anus.
- Prolapsed Hemorrhoids – both external and internal hemorrhoids can stretch and protrude outside of the anus causing what is referred to as a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Hemorrhoids are very common and are experienced by 3 out of 4 adults at least once during their lifetime. Some individuals experience hemorrhoids intermittently while others suffer from chronic occurrences.
What causes Hemorrhoids?
Any type of straining can exert pressure on your abdomen or the veins in the rectum or anus and result in hemorrhoids. Some common circumstances that exert pressure and can result in hemorrhoids are:
- Constipation – straining to have a bowel movement.
- Excessive Straining – while lifting weights or picking up heavy objects.
- Obesity – weight gain increases daily pressure on the pelvis or lower abdomen.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids
Often go unnoticed because they rarely cause any pain or symptoms. There may be instances of blood on the toilet paper or in stool but they are not painful.
External Hemorrhoids
Often cause uncomfortable symptoms including:
- Itching.
- Rectal Bleeding.
- Pain when sitting or aching in the anus area.
- Hard Bumps near the Anus that are tender to the touch.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Usually bulge outside of the anus and can cause discomfort and pain.
Can Hemorrhoids be Treated at Home?
At-home creams and remedies can often be used for patients who experience the occasional hemorrhoid flair-up but for those with chronic hemorrhoid issues, medical intervention is needed.
Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatments
Hemorrhoid Banding/Ligation
Rubber band ligation is a simple non-surgical, outpatient procedure that involves placing a small elastic-type band around the bottom of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply. This causes hemorrhoids to shrink and the tissue surrounding it to form a scar. The scarring acts as an anchor and holds the hemorrhoid in place.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure where a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue which causes it to shrink. This procedure causes little to no pain but may be less effective than other treatments.
Infrared Coagulation (IRC)
IRC is effective on small internal bleeding hemorrhoids and causes them to shrivel, harden and disappear. Infrared coagulation normally causes little discomfort and has very few side effects.
Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL)
HAL or sometimes called HAL Doppler is a minimally-invasive and virtually painless technique used to treat and remove hemorrhoids. Using a miniature ultrasound or Doppler guidance device, the surgeon is able to locate the exact location of the hemorrhoidal arteries, and then the blood supply is cut off using a suture which causes them to shrink.
Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation is most effective for low to medium-grade hemorrhoids.
RAR (Recto Anal Repair)
When a hemorrhoid has prolapsed (hanging down into the anal cavity or coming out of the anus) it must be repaired and placed back in the correct position. Using a specialized instrument, the prolapsed hemorrhoid is stitched back into place against the side of the rectum. The stitches eventually form scar tissue which effectively anchors hemorrhoids indefinitely. RAR requires no cutting, there is minimal pain involved and offers a quick recovery.
Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatments
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure and the most effective way to eliminate chronic recurring hemorrhoids. The surgeon uses one of several techniques to remove the excess problematic hemorrhoidal tissue. A hemorrhoidectomy is done under anesthesia.
Hemorrhoidopexy
Hemorrhoidopexy or also called a stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of abnormally large hemorrhoidal tissue, followed by the repositioning of the remaining hemorrhoidal tissue to its proper location. A special medical stapling device is used to reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoids causing them to shrink.
Proctoplasty
Following the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, sometimes it is necessary to eliminate extra tissue left behind in the anal canal to ensure it remains unblocked. Most often this procedure is performed in tandem with a hemorrhoidectomy.
Hemorrhoid Treatments Comparison
| Procedure | Average Procedure Time | Average Recovery Time | Sedation Type | Average Sucess Rate | Type Of Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhoidal Banding | < 5 minutes | < 1 Day | None | 95% | Non-Surgical |
| Sclerotherapy | 20 minutes | 2-3 days | Pain medication prescribed | 75% | Non-Surgical |
| Infrared Coagulation | 20 minutes | 3-5 days | Pain medication prescribed | 75% | Non-Surgical |
| HAL | 35 minutes | 2 days | General or Local Anesthesia | 90% | Non-Surgical |
| Hemorrhoidectomy | 1 Hour | 3 weeks | General Anesthesia with Pain Medication Prescribed | 98% | Surgical |
How much does Hemorrhoid Treatment cost?
IBI Healthcare Institute offers transparent all-inclusive pricing that not only includes the price of the procedure but most importantly, the expertise and knowledge of the surgeon who will be performing the procedure.
Enroll in the IBI Healthcare Institute Rewards Program to save money on treatments.
Visit our Pricing Page to view IBI Healthcare Institute’s self-pay all-inclusive pricing. Actual price may be influenced by insurance coverage, health status, or use of additional resources.
We also offer Financing Options for qualified customers.
