Let’s Talk About Hemorrhoids
Let’s talk about hemorrhoids … a literal ‘pain in the butt!’ Hemorrhoids can be a cause of discomfort, fear and even embarrassment for many people. No one should have to “just deal” with these symptoms when there are compassionate UMass Memorial Health experts who can offer solutions.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Did you know that everybody has hemorrhoids? They are a normal body part, and their presence shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that share features of both arteries and veins and are located in the anus (opening of the rectum through which stool passes out of your body). They can be internal or external, or both, known as mixed hemorrhoids. When these veins and blood vessels become swollen and irritated you may begin to experience a variety of symptoms, which can differ with internal and external hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids are not usually painful, but they can cause bleeding. They may slide out of the anus causing irritation and mucous discharge. External hemorrhoids are visible outside the anus and can cause itching, irritation and difficulty with hygiene. On occasion, a blood clot can form within external hemorrhoids causing significant swelling. While this can be very uncomfortable, it isn’t usually a harmful condition.
Hemorrhoids Treatment
The majority of patients with hemorrhoid symptoms will improve with simple measures. A high fiber diet (25 to 50 grams per day) will add bulk to the stool and allow for more easy passage of the stool through the anal canal. Fiber acts like a sponge and will keep your stools from getting overly firm or loose. Most of us would benefit from a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or Benefiber, to meet that lofty fiber goal. Other simple interventions:
- Avoid straining to pass stools.
- Minimize the amount of time spent sitting on the toilet. Put away the magazines and phones!
- Take warm baths to alleviate swelling and irritation.
Topical creams are generally not very effective, and if they contain steroids, you should stop use after 10 days to avoid thinning the delicate skin around your anus.
Some procedures can be done in the office. Internal hemorrhoids that cause bleeding may potentially be treated with rubber band ligation, a procedure in which a tiny rubber band is placed on the hemorrhoid, causing it to lose its blood supply, shrink, and fall off over the course of several days. Banding takes only a few minutes and does not require any sedation, as it’s not painful. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be removed in the office in some situations, resulting in nearly immediate relief of pain.
Hemorrhoid surgery can be a life-changer for those who still experience significant symptoms despite trying the above recommendations. There are many surgical approaches; some of which are considered less invasive and may have a shorter recovery, such as transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) and procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH).
Recovery from Treatment
One of the biggest patient concerns about hemorrhoid surgery is recovery. The anus is a very sensitive part of the body, and recovery can be uncomfortable, but we do many different things to help ease the discomfort. For example, we now inject a newer type of local anesthetic that lasts up to three days. Many are surprised to hear that 10 to 14 days off of work and family obligations are generally necessary after hemorrhoid surgery to ensure proper time to recover. Fortunately, long-term results after hemorrhoid surgery are generally fantastic, and can truly make a positive difference in your daily life.
Not sure if you have hemorrhoids or if your symptoms are due to hemorrhoids? Have you been considering hemorrhoid surgery for years, but just aren’t sure how to get started? Don’t give it a second thought. Our colorectal surgery team will make you comfortable, answer your questions and help lessen your symptoms. Make an appointment today by calling 855-UMASS-MD 855-862-7763.
