Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue containing swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum or around the anus, which, depending on the type and the severity, can cause itching, bleeding, and pain.

Hemorrhoids can be classified as either internal or external:

• Internal: swollen veins inside the rectum that form above an area known as the dentate line. When internal hemorrhoids become enlarged, the tissue may protrude out through the anus. The level of protrusion dictates the degree of severity.

• External: swollen veins that form below the dentate line and can often be seen and felt under the skin outside the anal canal. They often appear as small bulges.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can result from too much pressure in the rectum due to a variety of factors. Hemorrhoids are often linked to diet, constipation, diarrhea, obesity, pregnancy, childbirth, and even sitting for extended periods of time.

Common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Prolapse: If an internal hemorrhoid causes the swollen tissue to push through the anal opening, it is considered a prolapsing hemorrhoid. This prolapsed tissue (which actually causes many other symptoms associated with hemorrhoids) can sometimes reduce on its own, while other times it may need to be pushed back inside the anus manually.

• Bleeding: Only internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding. If you have an internal hemorrhoid, you may notice a small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper, covering the stool, or inside the toilet bowl.

• Itching: Itching around the rectum is one of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids. If you experience ongoing itching, it’s best to seek treatment, as scratching or continuous wiping of the area can lead to the worsening of symptoms.

If left untreated, hemorrhoids can worsen over time, to the point that they may require surgery. If treatment is sought early, hemorrhoids can often be treated painlessly in a matter of seconds, and the chance of recurrence is reduced.

Anal fissures, though different in nature, share many signs, symptoms, and even causes with hemorrhoids. Additionally, many patients suffering from hemorrhoids also suffer from fissures. The best way to know for sure is to come in for a consultation. If you’re experiencing any hemorrhoid symptoms, make an appointment to see Dr. Kaufman today for diagnosis and treatment.

There are two types of hemorrhoids, often known as “piles.”

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum that form in an area where there aren’t any nerve endings. When internal hemorrhoids become enlarged, the tissue may protrude out through the anus causing symptoms such as itching, bleeding, and swelling. The level of protrusion indicates the degree of severity.

External hemorrhoids often occur as bulges or lumps around the anus. Because of the sensitive nerves in this area, these abnormal vessels are often painful, especially when sitting. If an external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it may even cause severe pain.

How does Premier Surgical treat Hemorrhoids?

Dr. Kaufman is one of the few surgeons in the state to offer a minimally invasive and painless, non-surgical hemorrhoid alternative. There are several effective treatments, however one of the most proven and pain free procedures for most hemorrhoid types is the CRH O’Regan System®. It take less than a minute to perform and there is almost no post procedure pain or recovery time. The CRH O’Regan System® is a hemorrhoid banding, or rubber band ligation procedure, which is a fast, effective, nonsurgical approach to hemorrhoid treatment. Unlike a hemorrhoidectomy, it doesn’t require fasting or sedation. There is also no downtime involved and significantly less costly than surgery (it’s covered by most insurance plans). Unlike home remedies designed to provide temporary relief, banding completely treats hemorrhoid symptoms in a matter of moments – and it’s a procedure that’s 99% effective.

Other hemorrhoid treatments include:

Creams and Home Remedies – Hemorrhoid creams can be good in providing temporary relief during a flare-up, however, they just temporarily alleviate discomfort like burning, itching and inflammation without getting to the root of the problem.

Hemorrhoidectomy – As mentioned, a hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. Typically a hemorrhoidectomy is only needed for the most severe cases. Types of surgical treatments include:

• Conventional Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy (PPH)
• Doppler-Guided Ligation of Hemorrhoidal Arteries (THD)

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue containing swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum or around the anus. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, itching, bleeding, and sometimes severe pain.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure in the veins of the rectum, which can be the result of a variety of factors. Hemorrhoids can be linked to diet, constipation, diarrhea, obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, and even sitting for extended periods of time.

How do I know if what I have is a hemorrhoid, or something else?

See our Hemorrhoid Signs and Symptoms page for help in determining if you’re suffering from hemorrhoids. The best way to be sure of the source of your discomfort, though, is to come in for a consultation.

How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can’t always be prevented, but you can reduce your chances by avoiding some of the main hemorrhoid causes, like constipation. Whether you’ve had hemorrhoid treatment before or not, it’s a good idea to:

• Get enough fiber.
• Reduce your intake of high-fat, low-fiber foods, like red meat and dairy, which can cause constipation.
• Drink eight glasses of water a day.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements. If you don’t have a bowel movement within a few minutes of sitting on the toilet, come back later, which can help you avoid straining.
• During periods of extended sitting, stay hydrated, eat fiber, and walk around as often as you are able.

Do hemorrhoids always require surgery?

Over 95% of hemorrhoids can be treated using the CRH O’Regan System®, meaning less than 5% of hemorrhoids require surgery. The sooner you seek treatment for a hemorrhoid, the lower your chances of needing surgery will be.

How does the CRH O’Regan System® of banding work?

A tiny rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, which cuts off blood supply to the area. Within a few days, the banded tissue and band will shrink and fall off, usually without you noticing.

How many treatments are necessary?

Everyone has three hemorrhoid columns and most often, when one is affected, all three are affected. Generally speaking, a patient will require three treatments, with one band placed during each visit.

Does banding hurt?

No. With the procedure we use (the CRH O’Regan System®), band placement is painless and over 99% of patients experience no significant post-procedural pain.

Will I have to miss work or other activities?

You can typically return to work and resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure (but refrain from vigorous activity until the following day).

Will my insurance cover banding?

Most major insurance plans cover hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation). Call our office at (732) 262-1600 for cost details, or refer to your specific insurance policy for copay information.

Can’t I just use an over-the-counter treatment, like Preparation H cream?

You can use an over-the-counter treatment to help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching and swelling. However, these remedies don’t treat the cause of the hemorrhoid, and it is more likely that your symptoms will resurface eventually. For a long-term solution, a treatment like banding is likely your best option.

The most important thing to remember is that hemorrhoids are a common affliction – most of us will experience symptomatic hemorrhoids at some point in our lives. You should never feel stressed or embarrassed about speaking to your doctor, who can provide more detailed answers to all of the above questions, and any others you might have.