What are heamorrhoids (piles)?
Often described as "varicose veins of the anus and rectum",
hemorrhoids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower
rectum.
Causes of piles are
constipation and excessive straining
during bowel movement. There are two types, external and internal.
External hemorrhoids are near the anus and covered by skin.
Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus beneath the
lining.
What are the symptoms?
-
Bleeding during bowel movement.
-
Protrusion during bowel movement.
How the heamorrhoid are treated?
Conservative approach: - Mild symptoms can be treated by increasing fluid and fiber intake in the diet, along with eliminating
straining factors. Fiber supplements, pain relieving creams and suppositories are
also prescribed.
A hot-sitz bath (sitting in plain warm water) for about 10-15
minutes provides some relief.
Ligation
by rubber band, cutting off blood supply.
Injection and sclerotherapy
LASER, Infrared or coaggulation
Surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy): - Surgery to remove hemorrhoids, advised when
ligation fails, bleeding is persistent, protruding hemorrhoid can not be reduced.
Stapler hemorrhoidectomy:-
Minimally invasive stapler hemorrhoidectomy (MIPH) is less
painful and allows patients to return to work and other normal activities much earlier
than with the conventional procedure.
This technique uses a stapling device.
The mucosa above the dentate line, which contains part of
the pile mass, is excised and stapled with the stapler gun, thus taking care of
bleeding and prolapse - the two major components of piles. The titanium staples
cut and seal simultaneously, thus causing minimal bleeding and as the cut line is
above the nerves, there is reduction in post operative pain. Additionally there
is no incision on the perianal skin or lower part of anal canal there is no need
to do any post operative dressing. Iit should be done by a surgeon who is especially
trained in doing stapler surgery.
What are the advantages of Piles stapler surgery (MIPH)?
Smaller incisions resulting in reduced pain and discomfort
Minimal scarring
Greater surgical precision
Fewer complications
Less blood loss and a decreased need for blood transfusions
Reduced risk of infection
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recoveries
What is anal abscess/fistula?
An anal abscess is pus filled cavity near anus or rectum,
when it opens to skin it is a fistula.
What is the treatment for abscess/fistula?
Abscess is drained and antibiotics are prescribed. A fistula
is to be operated.