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HemorrhoidsConditions
Overview

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen vascular cushions that develop in the lowest part of the rectum around the anal canal. They are a common condition, with various causes and treatment options. While some people may not notice any symptoms, others can experience itching, burning, pain, pressure, and bleeding, especially during bowel movements.

Symptoms

If you have symptomatic hemorrhoids, you might experience:

  • Bleeding, particularly during bowel movements
  • Itching and irritation around the anus
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Swelling or a pressure sensation
  • Formation of a tender lump near the anus
  • Prolapse of hemorrhoid tissue (feeling something come out of the anus)

If symptoms persist for more than a week or if you're unsure about the cause of your symptoms, consult a physician. Rarely, serious conditions like anal cancer can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms. Rectal bleeding should always prompt a gastroenterology evaluation, as it could also indicate colorectal cancer.

Testing

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external:

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anal canal and may lead to bleeding, mucus discharge, pressure, or difficulty passing stool. They can also prolapse or come out of the anal canal.

External hemorrhoids develop outside the anal canal, causing bleeding and often itching or discomfort.

Treatment

Many symptomatic hemorrhoids can improve with simple steps like warm soaks, over-the-counter creams, and stool softeners.

If needed, we offer two painless procedures that can help treat your internal hemorrhoids:

Infrared Coagulation (IRC): An office-based procedure, IRC uses infrared light to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoid. The pulse of light is applied internally, causing a gradual reaction to the hemorrhoid tissue which scars it down and shrinks it. This procedure requires no patient preparation or anesthesia.

HemWell: Performed in our endoscopy centers under anesthesia, HemWell™ uses an electric current to produce a natural chemical reaction that shrinks and ultimately resolves the hemorrhoid. This procedure is typically conducted in conjunction with a colonoscopy.

Complex hemorrhoid disease and external hemorrhoids particularly require the help of a colorectal surgeon.