Treatment for Haemorrhoids General Surgery What are haemorrhoids? There are vascular cushions at the lower end of the rectum. These vascular cushions are normal structures that contribute to faecal continence. Problems arise when these cushions swell up or bleed. Internal anal sphincter External anal sphincter Internal haemorrhoid Dentate line Anoderm Perianal blood vessel
Prolapsing internal haemorrhoid
External haemorrhoid
What are the factors contributing to haemorrhoids? • Genetic predisposition to weak rectal vein walls and/or valves around your rectum • Squatting during bowel movement • Prolonged straining • Inadequate fluid intake • Pregnancy How do I know if I have haemorrhoids? • Fresh bleeding on bowel movement • Itchiness • Prolapse of haemorrhoidal tissue during bowel movement • Pain if blood clot accumulates However, these symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions like cancer of the large intestine.
Therefore, your surgeon may suggest other tests such as colonoscopy to rule out other possible causes of the above symptoms. What are the treatment options available? 1) Non-operative treatment As anal cushions have an important function in maintaining faecal continence, non-operative methods should first be used if haemorrhoids are minimally symptomatic. a) Correct toilet habits Sitting toilets are preferred to squatting toilets. Reading and other habits that prolong the time required for bowel movement must be stopped. b) Nutrition High fibre diet may aggravate constipation by producing bigger, harder and more impacted stools. Some constipated patients require decrease in dietary fibre to ease bowel movement. A more cautious approach to fibre consumption will be recommended by your doctor. Adequate fluid intake is essential. c) Medication Oral medications have been shown to have properties to reduce bleeding and inflammation of haemorrhoids. They can be useful as an initial treatment and also as an adjunct to other forms of treatment.