Hemorrhoids Surgery: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

What is the purpose of Hemorrhoids Treatment?

The purpose of hemorrhoids treatment is to manage the internal and external swelling and inflammation of the veins in the lower rectum and anus. It is very similar to varicose veins, however, the severity of pain and discomfort is more.

Hemorrhoids are common. Out of every 4 adults, 3 will have it at some point in time. In most of the individuals, hemorrhoids go on their own. However, there are people in which it may become severe and requires surgical intervention for treatment. A surgery conducted to remove the painful external and internal hemorrhoids is also known as hemorrhoidectomy.

The diagnosis of hemorrhoids can be made with the help of the following:

• Physical examination
• Digital examination
• Visual inspection through anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope
• Colonoscopy (in severe cases of another digestive disorder)

Different treatment options are available. Therefore, surgery is not always an option. Home remedies such as eating fiber-rich foods, taking pain relievers and using topical treatments are usually the first line of treatment.

Thrombectomy and minimally invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and coagulation are also an option. Hem

The following are some of the indications for hemorrhoids surgery:

• Severe and recurring hemorrhoids
• Multiple internal as well as external hemorrhoids
• Prolapsed and bleeding hemorrhoids

In a surgical hemorrhoidectomy, the patient is given general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. In some cases, spinal anesthesia may be used. Using one of the available excision techniques, the excessive tissue causing bleeding and prolapse are removed.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on the type of hemorrhoid that the patient is suffering from.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Straining while passing stool may cause the following symptoms:

• Painless bleeding
• Protrusion of hemorrhoid through the anal opening causing pain and irritation

External Hemorrhoids

• Itching and irritation around the anus
• Swelling and inflammation around the anus
• Bleeding, pain, and discomfort

Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids

• Lump near the anus
• Severe pain and swelling

Causes of Hemorrhoids

The main cause of hemorrhoids is increased pressure in the lower rectum, leading to the swelling in the veins around the anus. The increased pressure may result due to:

• Sitting for a prolonged time
• Excessive straining while passing stool
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Eating foods low in fiber content
• Heavy lifting
• Anal intercourse