Hemorrhoid treatment

Hemorrhoids are a disease in which the veins in the area of the rectum and anal canal expand and form hemorrhoidal nodes. They may be located inside the intestine or outside — near the anal opening.

Due to impaired blood outflow and increased pressure in the vessels, one hemorrhoidal node or several nodes gradually form. At first, a person may not feel pronounced symptoms, however over time the nodes may enlarge, become inflamed, and cause discomfort.

Depending on where exactly the nodes are located and how the disease progresses, different forms of hemorrhoids are distinguished. That is why treatment is always selected individually — taking into account the specific clinical situation.

Proctologists consider the main provoking factors to be:

• work and physical activity associated with lifting heavy objects;
• childbirth;
• sedentary work;
• an unbalanced diet;
• chronic constipation;
• frequent diarrhea;
• obesity;
• cycling;
• increased intra-abdominal pressure;
• abuse of alcoholic beverages;
• advanced age.

Each of these factors can impair venous outflow in the pelvic area, increase pressure in the vessels, and create conditions for the formation and progression of hemorrhoids. Often the disease develops under the influence of several causes at once.

In addition, there may be a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area, mucous discharge, skin irritation, and associated complications, including anal fissures. The severity of symptoms depends on the form of the disease and its duration.

Specialists distinguish 4 stages of hemorrhoid development:

• First stage — a slight enlargement of hemorrhoidal nodes is noted, which may be accompanied by discomfort and periodic minor bloody discharge after defecation.
• Second stage — during straining, hemorrhoidal nodes prolapse, but reposition independently. Itching and a feeling of discomfort in the anal area may appear.
• Third stage — after prolapse, the nodes require manual repositioning. Bleeding occurs more often, the symptoms become more pronounced.
• Fourth stage — the nodes constantly prolapse and do not reposition. The patient experiences persistent pain, pronounced discomfort during sitting, walking, or physical activity; spontaneous bleeding is possible.

At stages I–II, conservative or minimally invasive treatment methods are usually applied. At stages III–IV, the need for surgical intervention more often arises.

In the presence of hemorrhoids, it is important to avoid factors that may intensify symptoms or provoke exacerbation. Certain actions can increase pressure in the veins of the small pelvis, cause swelling and enlargement of the nodes.

The main contraindications include:

• lifting heavy objects and intense strength loads;
• prolonged sitting without breaks, especially on hard surfaces;
• abuse of spicy, piquant food and alcohol;
• strong straining during defecation;
• prolonged ignoring of constipation without correction of lifestyle and diet.

Special attention should be paid to nutrition in hemorrhoids: the diet should promote regular soft bowel movements. Insufficient intake of fiber and fluids may provoke constipation and, accordingly, exacerbation of the disease.

Following the doctor’s recommendations and changing habits help reduce the risk of complications and maintain a stable condition without frequent exacerbations.

During the initial consultation, the doctor carefully listens to the patient’s complaints, уточняет продолжительность симптомов, особенности образа жизни, наличие сопутствующих заболеваний и факторов риска.

After this, examination by a proctologist is performed. The doctor evaluates the condition of the skin and mucous membrane in the area of the anus, determines the presence of external formations, inflammation, or other obvious complications. A mandatory stage is a digital rectal examination, which allows assessment of the condition of the anal canal and detection of internal hemorrhoidal nodes.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations:

• anoscopy — examination of the anal canal using a special instrument;
• rectoromanoscopy — examination of the lower sections of the rectum;
• other instrumental or laboratory studies to уточнення діагнозу.

Such a step-by-step approach allows precise determination of the form and degree of the disease and selection of the most appropriate treatment methods.

Modern approaches allow effective treatment of hemorrhoidal lumps without prolonged hospitalization and with a minimal recovery period. In proctology, conservative, minimally invasive, and surgical methods of hemorrhoid treatment are used. The treatment tactics are determined individually — depending on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of complications.

Conservative therapy of hemorrhoids

It is advisable mainly at the initial stages of the disease or during exacerbation. It предусматривает:

• correction of the diet;
• increase in the level of physical activity and restriction of lifting heavy objects;
• use of local agents (suppositories, ointments, gels);
• prescription of systemic analgesic drugs in case of severe pain;
• use of venotonics to strengthen the walls of veins.

Provided timely consultation and individually selected therapy, symptoms decrease quite quickly.

Infrared photocoagulation

The method consists in the effect of infrared radiation on the stem of the hemorrhoidal node. As a result, its blood supply is disrupted, which leads to gradual reduction and rejection of the node. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery takes minimal time. It is used mainly at stages I–II.

Ligation with latex rings

During the procedure, a special latex ring is applied to the base of the internal node, which blocks its blood supply. After a few days, the node dies and is rejected independently. The method is used mainly in stages II–III of internal hemorrhoids and does not require prolonged hospitalization.

Laser treatment of hemorrhoids

During the procedure, a light guide is inserted into the lumen of the rectum, through which laser radiation is delivered. It directly affects the tissues of the node, coagulating the vessels and reducing its volume. The laser allows minimizing trauma to adjacent tissues and shortening the recovery period.

Transanal resection according to Longo

At advanced stages and in the presence of complications, surgical treatment according to the Longo method may be used. The operation is performed under anesthesia and involves circular excision of a section of the mucous membrane above the nodes. This reduces their blood supply and contributes to their gradual reduction.

The treatment tactics are determined individually and depend on:

• the stage of the disease and localization of the nodes;
• the severity of the process;
• the presence of concomitant diseases;
• the age and general condition of the patient.

In acute course, the primary task is to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. A course of conservative therapy is usually prescribed. After stabilization of the condition, the issue of further minimally invasive or surgical treatment is resolved.

The treatment tactics of the chronic form depend on the stage of the disease. At early stages, conservative treatment aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing progression is possible.

At stages II–III, minimally invasive methods are used more often. In advanced cases or in the development of complications, the need for surgical intervention and inpatient treatment may arise.

Timely medical care in hemorrhoids allows reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and restoring comfort in everyday life.

The cost of hemorrhoid treatment depends on the form of the disease, its stage, the presence of complications and, accordingly, the chosen treatment tactics. In some cases, conservative treatment is sufficient, whereas with progression of the process, minimally invasive or surgical methods of hemorrhoid treatment may be used.

In the proctology department of Oxford Medical in Kyiv, patients have access to modern medical services with an individual approach to each case. You can предварительно ознакомиться with the prices here. More precisely regarding treatment options and prices, the doctor will inform you during the consultation.

Make an appointment at a time convenient for you — by phone or through the online booking form on our website.