Hemorrhoids
Relief for hemorrhoids with advanced non-surgical and surgical options from Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists—care close to home.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen or inflamed veins in the anal canal. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the anal canal, while external hemorrhoids swell near the opening of the anus.
Hemorrhoids affect millions, and many people feel uncomfortable discussing it with their physician. At Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists Hemorrhoid Center, we offer empathy, discretion, and expertise in the field of advanced hemorrhoid treatment.
The exact cause of hemorrhoids remains unknown, but several known factors contribute to their development, including chronic constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, aging, straining during bowel movements, overuse of laxatives or enemas, prolonged sitting on the toilet (e.g., reading, etc.) and obesity. Preventative methods include limiting prolonged sitting on the toilet, avoiding the overuse of laxatives and enemas, and keeping a healthy diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
The first step toward treatment and relief is recognizing the symptoms:
If you experience any of these symptoms, one of our board-certified colorectal specialists can evaluate, diagnose, and discuss treatment options. Although not usually serious, hemorrhoids can be painful, and part of an underlying disease; delay in diagnosis and treatment may be harmful.
The Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists Hemorrhoid Center offers up-to-date innovations in hemorrhoid treatment. After examination, our experienced physicians will determine the course of treatment to meet your needs.
At the Hemorrhoid Center, we find that only a small percentage of patients require hemorrhoid surgery. Many mild cases are successfully relieved by changes in diet or with simple in-office procedures.
Diet and lifestyle changes often relieve mild hemorrhoid symptoms, including increased fluids and fiber (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fiber supplements), eliminating excessive straining to reduce the pressure on hemorrhoids, and/or sitting in a sitz bath of warm water.
Rubber band ligation effectively treats internal hemorrhoids that bleed or protrude with bowel movements. The procedure involves placing a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply. The hemorrhoid and band fall off in a few days, and the wound heals within a week or two.
Sclerotherapy is utilized for smaller internal hemorrhoids that bleed but do not protrude. By injecting a solution around the blood vessels, your hemorrhoid specialist is able to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
Infrared coagulation — sometimes referred to as laser — utilizes infrared light to treat internal hemorrhoid tissue. Multiple treatments are typically required, and long-term results are often less successful than rubber band ligation.
Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is a minimally invasive procedure involving a non-excisional ultrasound technique to decrease blood flow to the hemorrhoid(s). This less invasive procedure does not involve surgical removal or cutting of the hemorrhoid tissue, and is less traumatic to the body than a hemorrhoidectomy, resulting in quicker recovery time with minimal discomfort. In most cases, patients resume normal activities in four-to-five days.
Severe cases may require hemorrhoid surgery performed by a colon and rectal surgeon on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
A hemorrhoidectomy is considered an effective surgical method for the complete removal of external hemorrhoids. Typically performed on an outpatient basis, a hemorrhoidectomy 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. Performed under anesthesia, a hemorrhoidectomy removes the excess tissue causing the bleeding and protrusion.
Stapled hemorrhoidectomy, also known as PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids), is useful for patients with large prolapsing internal hemorrhoids and minimal external hemorrhoids. This minimally invasive surgical approach uses a special device to staple and excise internal hemorrhoidal tissue, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink.
There is no relationship between hemorrhoids and cancer; however, the symptoms of hemorrhoids — particularly bleeding, unusual itching, pain or sensitive lumps around the anal area — are similar to those of colorectal cancer and other diseases of the digestive system.
