Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a disease affecting the anal area. Hemorrhoids are a common problem in society, and they can occur in individuals of any gender and age. However, they are more commonly seen in older individuals.
The treatment of hemorrhoids is determined based on the type and degree of progression of the disease. In the early stages, hemorrhoid problems can be easily treated with non-surgical methods. However, in advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. With advanced medical facilities, even surgical procedures can be carried out while ensuring high patient comfort.
What is Hemorrhoids? What are its Types?
Hemorrhoids are a condition where the vascular structures within the anal region enlarge and protrude outside the anus due to straining. If the protrusions occur inside the anal canal, it is classified as internal hemorrhoids, and if they occur around the anus, it is classified as external hemorrhoids.
How to Recognize the Stages of Hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are classified into 1-4 stages based on the degree of prolapse of the protrusions from the anus.
1st stage: In internal hemorrhoids, only bleeding is observed. The hemorrhoidal protrusions do not protrude outside the anus, making it difficult to detect the disease in the early stage. However, if a doctor is consulted for bleeding complaints, it can be diagnosed by the doctor.
2nd stage: In internal hemorrhoids, the protrusions occur outside the anus during straining while defecating, and they spontaneously return inside after defecation. Bleeding complaints persist at this stage, and some patients may also experience itching.
3rd stage: In internal hemorrhoids, the protrusions occur outside the anal canal during defecation. The protrusions can be pushed back inside manually, and at this stage, patients may experience pain and discomfort due to the protrusions.
4th stage: In internal hemorrhoids, the protrusions remain constantly outside the anus. The continuous protrusion of protrusions outside the anus can cause severe pain in patients. At this stage, the pain can disrupt the daily life of individuals.
How is Hemorrhoid Treated?
The treatment of hemorrhoids is determined based on the type and progression level of the disease. External hemorrhoids are treated solely through surgical intervention, involving the removal of the hemorrhoidal protrusion.
For internal hemorrhoids, the choice of treatment depends on the stage of hemorrhoids.
Internal Hemorrhoid Treatment
1st and 2nd-degree internal hemorrhoids can be easily treated with laser therapy, without the need for cutting and stitching, in a short duration of approximately 15 minutes. Bleeding complaints observed in these stages are instantly eliminated after laser treatment.
3rd-degree internal hemorrhoids can be treated non-surgically through rubber band ligation, where a rubber band is used to constrict the hemorrhoid. In necessary cases, it is combined with laser therapy.
4th-degree internal hemorrhoids can be treated with the THD method, involving the ligation of the artery. Despite being a surgical intervention, advancements in medical technology allow for the procedure to be performed with a high level of patient comfort.
Rubber Band Ligation Treatment
Rubber band ligation treatment can be applied for hemorrhoids in advanced stages. The goal of rubber band ligation is to prevent the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal protrusion, leading to its shrinkage and eventual disappearance, except for very advanced cases of hemorrhoids.
In rubber band ligation treatment, a small rubber ring is placed at the base of the hemorrhoidal protrusion using a device. This interrupts the blood flow to the protrusion, causing it to shrink and eventually disappear as it loses its blood supply.
THD (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization) Treatment
THD treatment is employed for advanced cases where laser and rubber band ligation methods prove insufficient. The concept is similar to rubber band ligation. However, in this method, an ultrasound is used to identify the blood vessel supplying the hemorrhoidal protrusion, and it is then ligated. This prevents blood supply to the protrusion, effectively halting its nourishment and causing it to shrink.
Which Doctor to Consult for Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are a condition that occurs in the anal region, and diseases related to the anal area are generally examined by the field of general surgery. However, due to the comprehensive nature of general surgery, there is a specialized branch for diseases in the anal region, known as proctology.
It is advantageous for the preferred general surgeon for treatment to be specialized in proctology, as this ensures that patients receive treatment with the most up-to-date and comfortable methods. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a proctology specialist for treatment.
IDEA Clinic Proctology Center
With 6 different branches in 4 major cities, IDEA Clinic offers treatments for anal diseases performed by proctology specialist doctors using the latest methods. You can get rid of hemorrhoid disease without the need for hospitalization, in a painless and comfortable way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemorrhoids
What is Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, medically referred to as “hemorrhoids,” are the enlarged veins located just below the rectum and anus, at the end of the anal canal. Due to increased pressure, these veins can expand and, depending on the stage, protrude outside the anus in various sizes. The primary cause of hemorrhoid formation is constipation.
