Addressing Hemorrhoids, a Common Disorder

Hemorrhoids are an enlargement of veins with the tissue lining them. They are found in the anal area or the lowermost part of the rectum.

It is a more common disorder than is commonly believed. In fact, between 50 and 80% of the population will suffer from this pathology at some point in their lives.

Causes of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused mainly by increased pressure in this area. This effect causes the veins to dilate and swell. The most common causes of this increased pressure are: straining during bowel movements, constipation, pregnancy and childbirth.

However, there are also other causes that can lead to hemorrhoids, such as prolonged sitting (especially on the toilet), exertion and heavy lifting, episodes of diarrhea, and certain diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver.

There are two types of hemorrhoids, external and internal:

  • External anal hemorrhoids can be palpated as small bumps around the anus that can sometimes be itchy or stinging in the area. Occasionally, when they become inflamed or thrombosed, intense pain appears in the area, as it is highly innervated and sensitive. If not treated in time, ulcers and bleeding may occur.
  • Internal rectal hemorrhoids do not cause pain and, fundamentally, present bleeding and prolapse.

How to diagnose hemorrhoids

The diagnosis of hemorrhoids is made with the clinical history and an anal exploration, and a digital rectal examination if necessary. In some cases of bleeding, the specialist will recommend a colonoscopy to rule out other major causes.

Hemorrhoids usually appear episodically and often remit spontaneously or with local treatments. If these episodes occur more frequently, they eventually become permanently established. Untreated hemorrhoids tend to grow in size and present greater complications: pain, itching, bleeding and even difficulty in cleaning the area properly after defecation.

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be treated with:

  • Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid or anesthetic ointments.
  • Oral anti-inflammatory/analgesic medications
  • Drugs that improve venous circulation

Surgical treatment of hemorrhoids and postoperative period

When the previous treatments do not work, there are some simpler techniques for grade I and II hemorrhoids, which are performed on an outpatient basis and even in the office: sclerosing injections, photocoagulation, cryocoagulation, placement of elastic bands, etc..

Read Now 👉  5 aspects of liver metastasis surgery

In grade III and IV hemorrhoids, the treatment of choice is hemorrhoidectomy, consisting of excision of the hemorrhoids. This surgery is performed by a specialist in General Surgery in the operating room under anesthesia. The dissection of hemorrhoids can be performed with scissors, electric scalpel or laser.

The advantage of the laser over the electric scalpel is that it allows greater precision in the cut or coagulation and less heat propagation. This produces a shallower “burn” in the area that the patient appreciates in the postoperative period.

During the postoperative period it is normal for slight bleeding to occur when going to the toilet, especially with the effort of bowel movements. Sometimes the postoperative period for small hemorrhoids can be more painful than for larger hemorrhoids, but in any case, after bowel movements, it usually lasts between 4 and 10 days. In order to obtain the greatest possible comfort, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve it.

How to prevent hemorrhoids

There are a series of guidelines that can help us to avoid the appearance of hemorrhoids:

  • To prevent constipation it is advisable to have a diet rich in fiber, an abundant intake of liquids and fiber supplements.
  • It is also necessary to avoid eating irritating nutrients, such as spicy foods or spices, as well as to moderate the consumption of alcohol, coffee and tobacco.
  • Another way to prevent hemorrhoids is to practice sports activities to avoid becoming overweight or obese.
  • Go to the bathroom when you feel the need.
  • Stay on the toilet for the right amount of time.