Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid treatment focuses on relieving the patient’s symptoms. This may include lifestyle changes, the use of topical creams, and endoscopic or surgical correction when needed. The team at the Association of South Bay Surgeons treats hemorrhoids on an outpatient basis.
Hemorrhoids Q & A
Hemorrhoids are very common today, with around 50% of people having them by the time they turn 50. While hemorrhoids are seen in both sexes, they are especially common among women because they often develop during pregnancy. However, hemorrhoids during pregnancy are usually temporary and resolve after the baby is born.
If a patient experiences rectal bleeding or bloody stools, they’re usually evaluated for hemorrhoids and digestive diseases, such as colorectal cancer. The physician does a visual examination of the anus and rectum to search for enlarged blood vessels indicating hemorrhoids. Additionally, the doctor does a digital exam of the rectum using a gloved and lubricated finger. This allows the doctor to feel abnormal swelling or growths. To make a hemorrhoids diagnosis, particularly in the case of internal hemorrhoids, an anoscope may be used to light up the interior of the rectum so it can be viewed more closely. In some cases, a proctoscope exam, which allows for a full exam of the whole rectum, is used to make the diagnosis.
Internal hemorrhoids can be treated in several different ways. Infrared coagulation (IRC) is the leading outpatient treatment for hemorrhoids. This non-surgical treatment uses infrared light exposure to coagulate the blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoid. Over the next few weeks, the hemorrhoidal tissues gradually shrink and recede. In rubber band ligation, or banding, a rubber band cuts the blood supply to the hemorrhoid internally, which makes it wither. In sclerotherapy, a special chemical solution is injected directly into the blood vessels to force the hemorrhoid to shrink. In transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialisation, or THD, each artery supplying a hemorrhoid is located with a scope and then sutured, to ensure blood flow is cut off. In cases where none of these solutions are effective, especially when the patient has severe hemorrhoids, a surgical procedure called excisional hemorrhoidectomy is performed. Additionally, patients could choose a procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids, called PPH. Also known as a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, a doctor will use a device to reposition the hemorrhoids and cut off their blood supply. This causes them to shrivel and fall off.
Patients can do several things to help prevent hemorrhoids. Keeping stools soft is important, as it means less pressure and straining. This can be accomplished through eating plenty of fiber and using a fiber supplement. The doctor may also recommend a bulk stool softener. The bowels should always be emptied as quickly as possible when the urge occurs, but patients should be mindful of heavy straining.
TESTIMONIALS
Words from our patients
Verified Patient
“The best bedside manner I have ever encountered in a physician. He made a very scary surgery a good experience…”
Verified Patient
“An excellent doctor and surgeon with wonderful people skills. She is extremely personable and makes you feel very comfortable…”
Verified Patient
“I don’t like surgery, but he made me feel comfortable, I really trust him. He was very patient and most Doctors don’t understand how important patience is.”
Verified Patient
“Everyone in the office was very professional, and very nice to all the patients coming in.”
Verified Patient
“A very down to earth doctor. I feel that I can trust what he tells me which is also told in such a way that I can understand…”
Verified Patient
“The office was professionally laid out displaying a relaxing atmosphere. The free coffee and actual tables to sit at is a welcome sight…”
Verified Patient
“During a very stressful time, the Dr. was thorough and calming. I felt very confident going into surgery that I had made the right decision on the doctor…”
Verified Patient
“Good attitude, helpful, explained diagnosis simply and thoroughly. I really did appreciate the call on a Friday evening at home to discuss my options…”
Verified Patient
“Office staff very kind and friendly, helpful when I had insurance issues and they worked the problems out. I did not have to…”
Verified Patient
“A wonderful doctor who is quite knowledgeable in her field of expertise. She has a great bed side manner and has a pleasant, down to earth personality.”
Verified Patient
“One of the best and most caring doctors, I’ve ever met. When I come to see the Dr., I know I’m in good hands, and I have complete trust in him…”
Verified Patient
“I felt very confident about my decision to plan my surgery with this Physician. I did extensive research on my type of surgery, issues and options…”
Mary D.
“Dr Friedlander is such a great surgeon. She has the perfect combo of being a skilled surgeon and also being a very decent human being. She was totally present to me…”
Mark S.
“Good doctor, and very nice. She is a busy and in-demand surgeon, so even though I’ve been kept waiting a couple of times, it’s been for good reason.”
Danny j.
“Given a mountain of evidence, I know absolutely that Dr. Klein is absolutely one of the best surgeons and you will be very lucky to have him on your team…”
Olivia H.
“I have to say he has been great. Since the beginning of my journey he has been there to answer questions and any concerns I had.”
Whitney W.
“I can not thank Dr. Solomon enough for giving me my life back. Topping the scale at 279, I’m 3 months post op and 219 lbs, I would not have been able to do this alone.”
Lula C.
“She is truly amazing, her spirit will take all your fears away and you will be relieved from the moment you meet her. She’s truly an outstanding Doctor…”
Dora H.
“I went to Dr. Ali-jones for a double mastectomy. She was very knowledgeable, professional, and her bedside manner exuded compassion and understanding…”
John T.
“Dr. Bhayani perform colon cancer surgery on my wife. I am a pastor and deal with lots of medical people. Dr. Bhayani was outstanding, competent…”
Ruby R.
“He explained in specific detail what a liver resection procedure was. I like that he didn’t sugar coat things but his caring attitude made me feel at ease…”
Leave a Reply