Treatment of Hemorrhoids

The medical statistic shows that about one-fifth of the entire adult population of the globe is familiar with haemorrhoids and this number increases with time. Despite the fact that most often these manifestations are observed in people over 45 years old, more young people are diagnosed with this disease.

What are the Symptoms of Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids develop gradually, over a period of more than one year, hence the manifestation of the disease depends on its severity. In most cases, the early signs of haemorrhoids are not noticeable. Proctologists distinguish four stages of the development of haemorrhoids:

• An increase in haemorrhoids, accompanied by bloody defecation and painful itching. In the first stage, these symptoms may appear and disappear again, which is quite usual.
• Similar symptoms are observed in the second stage. The second stage can also be identified by the loss of haemorrhoids, which occurs in the process of bowel emptying or with a sudden lifting of heavy objects. There is also a slight discharge of blood from the anus.
• At the third stage, the nodes begin to fall out even with a slight effort. Haemorrhoid can be only put back in place manually. The bleeding becomes more abundant. There are inflammations around the anus.
• The fourth stage is characterized by the regular prolapse of haemorrhoid – it protrudes constantly and falls out again if pushed back into the rectum. Pain and frequent bleeding are usual at this stage, and the tissues around the anus strongly inflame. Against the background of regular bleeding, anaemia can develop.

Haemorrhoids can be internal, external or combined. In the first type, the varicose dilatation of the anal veins is present, and, therefore, bleeding is common. With the increased tension, haemorrhoids often fall out and are restrained. External haemorrhoids are rarely accompanied by bleeding, as the nodes are not injured in the process of defecation since they are outside. It is also necessary to treat this manifestation since it may cause thrombosis and additional inflammation. Combined haemorrhoids combine the two types of diseases described above.

What are the Causes of Haemorrhoids?

The main cause of haemorrhoids includes impaired blood circulation in the venous clusters, which leads to the dystrophy of the muscular structure, the main function of which is to anchor the nodes inside the anal canal.

Haemorrhoids are caused by blood stasis in the veins of the lower intestine. It is often called “occupational disease” of those who have spent most of the time in a sitting position. In certain cases, haemorrhoids can develop due to frequent constipation, as well as during pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, any condition that may provoke intra-abdominal pressure can lead to the occurrence of haemorrhoids.

Diagnosis and indications for the surgery of Haemorrhoids

The earliest sign of haemorrhoids includes blood excretion in the process of defecation. In this case, the examination by the proctologist should be completed. With the help of examination, gastrointestinal diseases will be excluded, which can also be accompanied by bleeding. Diagnosis involves a clinical study with complete amnesia, visual inspection and palpation of the rectum.

For people older than 40 years old, colonoscopy and anoscopy are used. Conducting a comprehensive study allows not only to diagnose haemorrhoids but also to identify associated gastrointestinal diseases, which, according to the statistics, are found in every third patient.

The most common accompanying disorder of the large intestine in the presence of haemorrhoids is irritable bowel syndrome.

To date, the most effective methods for the treatment of haemorrhoids in the early stage are minimally invasive methods, which remove haemorrhoids. Combined treatment is also often prescribed.

During the third stage, the haemorrhoids are removed by surgical intervention. In the framework of hemorrhoidectomy, venous plexuses are excised to prevent recurrence of the disease. Today, high-tech methods for such kind of surgeries are used. Such methods help to shorten the postoperative period by several times and also minimize possible complications.

Surgical treatment of haemorrhoids

Some decades ago, surgery was considered as the main method for the treatment of haemorrhoids. However, today such surgeries are carried out only if the disease is neglected. The technique of surgical intervention has also changed, which at the moment is carried out only in a minimally invasive way. Infrared photocoagulation involves high-temperature exposure to the haemorrhoid with the use of a special device. The working element of the device is applied to the node for a couple of seconds, thus causing a microscopic burn. As a result of which, the node is deprived of the supply of blood and atrophies after a while.

Sclerotherapy is an effective technique for the treatment of haemorrhoids in the early stage and implies the introduction of a special substance inside the node, leading to its atrophy.

The use of latex rings is one of the oldest methods, which is also actively used nowadays. This method works effectively, without causing injuries. As a part of ligation with a special device, a latex rig is put on the knot. This blocks the blood supply, which leads to the death of formations after a few days.