Hemorrhoids are a very common problem, and of all people older than 49 years of age, half of them have experienced at least one hemorrhoid in their lives. Hemorrhoids can be very painful and they can also cause problems like bleeding and itching. As soon as you notice a hemorrhoid, you should seek treatment. This will prevent you from having to live with the pain and discomfort.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Hemorrhoids
When your hemorrhoids continuously cause pain or are persistently bleeding, your doctor may talk to you about considering a minimally invasive procedure to get rid of them. There are several options, and these can generally be done on an outpatient basis in a hospital or in your doctor’s office. These procedures include:
* Infrared Coagulation: This procedure is quite new, but it is the fastest way to treat hemorrhoids. It is also pain-free, so you can quickly return to your normal activities. Your doctor will use infrared light to disrupt the blood supply to your hemorrhoids so that the body reabsorbs them.
* Sclerotherapy: This treatment kills hemorrhoids by injecting a chemical solution into them. It generally causes little, if any, pain.
* Rubber band ligation: Your doctor will find the base of your hemorrhoid and tie a rubber band around it to starve it of blood so that it dies.
Surgical Procedures for Hemorrhoids
Most people will get relief from their hemorrhoids with minimally invasive procedures, but in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Your doctor may also recommend a surgical procedure if your hemorrhoids are very large. There are two primary surgeries your doctor may recommend, including:
* Hemorrhoid removal: This surgical procedure is most often done for hemorrhoids that are bleeding. Your doctor will trim the hemorrhoid tissue that is responsible for the bleeding. It is common to have some discomfort after this procedure and soaking in a warm bath can help to alleviate the pain.
* Hemorrhoid stapling: This procedure works to kill the hemorrhoid by removing its source of blood flow. You can usually return to normal activities faster and have less pain after this surgery, compared to hemorrhoid removal. However, there is a greater risk of rectal prolapse and your hemorrhoid coming back with hemorrhoid stapling than there is with hemorrhoid removal.
There are several options for treating hemorrhoids and helping you to achieve relief from your symptoms. Since there are so many options, talk to your doctor to determine the best one for you. Once your hemorrhoid is gone, your symptoms will be too, so don’t wait. As soon as you notice the symptoms of a hemorrhoid, consult your physician so you can receive prompt treatment.
For more information on Hemorrhoids treatment, contact Chicago Hemorrhoid.
