While most hemorrhoids heal with just hemorrhoid relief at home, more serious or recurrent cases require in-office treatment or surgical removal. A hemorrhoidectomy used to be the most effective option for most patients, but today more and more people seek alternatives to a traditional hemorrhoid removal procedure. Whatever form of hemorrhoid treatment you need, keep reading to learn about your options.
If you have reached the point when treating your hemorrhoid symptoms is not enough, you may want to consider other options for removing the problematic tissue that do not require going under a surgeon’s scalpel.
Hemorrhoid removal surgery is sometimes necessary, but it is worth discussing alternatives to hemorrhoid surgery with your hemorrhoid doctor to see if there is an option that better fits your needs.
Hemorrhoid treatment: Are they serious or recurring?
Your physician can discuss your treatment options, making recommendations based on the severity and duration of your hemorrhoids, whether or not they prolapsed, and your risk of recurrence, as well as other factors. Some ways hemorrhoid doctors treat piles include:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is more commonly known as hemorrhoid shots or hemorrhoid injections. These injections treat relatively minor hemorrhoids by injecting a liquid into the swollen tissues next to the inflamed hemorrhoid. The medicine shrinks swollen hemorrhoidal tissue.
Which liquid is used depends primarily on what the hemorrhoid doctor prefers. There is evidence to show that a number of medications work for this purpose, including peer-reviewed research to support the use of phenol in olive oil.
After-effects following sclerotherapy are rare.
Rubber Band Ligation
Banding may be an effective option for grade 2 hemorrhoids, although your physician may use this procedure for small grade 3 hemorrhoids, as well. Rubber band ligation works by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing the tissue to shrink and fall off.
This procedure is straightforward. Using a special anoscope to see the hemorrhoid, the doctor puts a tiny rubber band around the tissue at the base of the hemorrhoid. Most people report only the mildest pressure sensation during the placement of the band.
Cauterization
For prolapsed hemorrhoids, your hemorrhoid surgeon may opt to use a laser, electric probe, infrared light, or another tool to burn or freeze the tissue. This is known as coagulation or cauterization. It stops bleeding and may be able to remove small hemorrhoids. This technique is less commonly used in the United States.
Hemorrhoid Stapling
PPH or Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids, also known as hemorrhoidopexy, is another type of surgical procedure used to treat hemorrhoids. In most cases, people have significantly less pain and return to work sooner than they would following a traditional hemorrhoidectomy. There are several methods for surgeons to choose from when performing stapling procedures. It is extremely effective at resolving hemorrhoidal disease.
These procedures can cause short-term pain and limitations after hemorrhoid surgery, but recovery is usually faster than traditional methods. At Los Angeles Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates, our surgeons often schedule these procedures on Fridays, and our patients often return to work on Monday.
Traditional Hemorrhoidectomy
“Hemorrhoidectomy” literally means “hemorrhoid removal,” and that is exactly what a surgeon does during this type of procedure. This surgery involved using a scalpel, laser, or another tool to cut away the enlarged and inflamed tissue. Some hemorrhoid doctors prefer to stitch the incisions closed afterward while others leave the incisions open. There may be several factors that play into this decision.
While this type of traditional hemorrhoid surgery has the lowest rates of hemorrhoid recurrence and is the most effective procedure, it also comes with a difficult recovery. Bowel movements are generally painful. Many activities, including sitting, can cause tailbone pain. Prescription pain medication may be necessary.
Recovery from this type of procedure could last several weeks or more and is notoriously painful. Many people miss a week or more of work. This is why most people want to consider any alternatives available.
Traditional Hemorrhoid Surgery as a Last Resort Treatment
Today, there are so many alternatives to traditional hemorrhoid surgery that this has become a measure of last resort. At Los Angeles Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates, we try to avoid performing traditional hemorrhoid surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. While it is the most effective option for some people, the recovery can be longer and more painful than many of the modern alternative treatments.
In some cases, though, undergoing hemorrhoid surgery — whether traditional or a stapled procedure — is necessary. This may be true if:
- You have recurring hemorrhoids
- Your hemorrhoids are grade 3 or grade 4
- Your hemorrhoids are very large
- You have undergone a hemorrhoid procedure previously
If you do need colon or rectal surgery for your hemorrhoids, it is important to choose the best surgeon for hemorrhoid treatment. Our team of surgeons has the experience, resources, and access to cutting-edge technology you need when undergoing a surgical procedure. We are well-trained in all the latest and most effective techniques and will only recommend traditional surgery when we believe it is the only effective option based on your symptoms.
Speak to a Member of Our Team to Get Started
If you have problematic hemorrhoids and are considering the types of treatment available to stop your symptoms for good, contact Los Angeles Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates today. Call (310) 273-2310 to speak with a member of our team today.
