Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery

What are hemorrhoids? →

Treatment Options →

After Treatment →

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. Everyone has this tissue. It becomes a problem when it swells, bleeds or slips outside the anus. Hemorrhoids are very common, especially with age, and most can be treated simply.

What are hemorroids?

Internal hemorrhoids form inside the lower rectum and anal canal. They are usually painless but may bleed or prolapse (come out of the anus and go back in). External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can cause swelling, itching and discomfort. When a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid (a thrombosed hemorrhoid), it can appear as a sudden, painful lump that is best assessed within a few days. If you cannot get an appointment within a few days, go to an emergency department.

Common symptoms include:

• Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• A lump or swelling near the anus
• Itching or irritation
• Discomfort, especially when sitting
• Tissue that comes out during a bowel movement

Rectal bleeding has several possible causes, so it is always worth having it assessed by a doctor rather than assuming it is hemorrhoids.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and size of the hemorrhoids and on how much they affect your daily life. Your doctor will explain which options suit you.

1. Lifestyle and medical treatment

Small hemorrhoids often improve with more fibre and water, avoiding straining, and short courses of creams or suppositories.

2. Rubber band ligation

Banding is done in the clinic and takes a few minutes. A small elastic band is placed at the base of an internal hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid shrinks and falls away, usually within about a week. Most people return to normal activities the same day, and more than one session is sometimes needed.

3. Hemorrhoidectomy

Surgical removal may be recommended for large or prolapsing hemorrhoids, or when other treatments have not worked. External hemorrhoids can often be removed in the clinic under local anaesthetic. Internal hemorrhoidectomy is performed in state-of-the-art operating rooms located near the Center.

After Treatment

Mild discomfort, a feeling of fullness and light bleeding are common for a few days after banding or surgery. Your doctor will give you written instructions on pain relief, diet and hygiene.

When to Seek Medical Care After Hemorrhoid Banding or Hemorrhoidectomy

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding or passing clots
• Fever or increasing pain
• Difficulty passing urine

Hemorrhoids are common and, in most cases, straightforward to treat. A consultation confirms the cause of your symptoms and lets you choose the treatment that fits your situation.

In case of an emergency, please dial 911.