Treatment Options

In most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated without surgery. Of course, the best treatment is prevention!

If hemorrhoids do become a problem, here are some general strategies:

• Take warm soaks three or four times a day
• After each bowel movement clean by patting gently with moist toilet paper or moistened pads, such as baby wipes
• Use ice packs to relieve swelling
• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®) to help relieve pain
• For pain: apply a cream that contains witch hazel, or use a numbing ointment
• For itching: apply a cream that contains hydrocortisone

If your symptoms are severe, recurrent, or fail to improve, seek the advice of your physician.

Surgery for Hemorrhoids

In certain cases, surgery is necessary. Surgical removal of the hemorrhoidal veins can especially benefit people who have prolapsed (protruding) hemorrhoids, or symptoms which fail to improve with traditional remedies.

Depending on the particular needs of each individual, there are several types of procedures which may be offered.

• Banding Procedure – this very common procedure involves placing a tight rubber band across the base of the bulging vein. Over the next few days, the vein shrinks and falls away, along with the rubber band. With “internal” hemorrhoids, this should result in very little or no discomfort. This is not an option for “external” hemorrhoids, since this type of hemorrhoid tends to be very sensitive!

• Hemorrhoidectomy – surgical removal of the hemorrhoids. This procedure, typically performed under sedation in the operating room, involves making an incision and removing the enlarged veins. This can be used for both internal and external hemorrhoids, but can be associated with more discomfort.

• Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids (PPH) – a relatively new procedure, performed under sedation in the operating room. A special stapling instrument is used to remove all of the redundant tissue in the area, well above the sensitive nerve endings. This typically results in less pain, quicker recovery, and durable results.

To see an animation showing how the PPH procedure works, click here (opens in a new window – click “next” when the new window opens to see the animation).

Note: to view the above animation, you may need to update to the latest version of Macromedia Flash Player.

To learn more about the PPH procedure, please visit the Ethicon Endo-Surgery web site at http://www.pphinfo.com/.

There may be other options, depending on individual needs. Not all of these procedures are appropriate for everyone. All of these procedures have specific risks and benefits, advantages and disadvantages. If you have a problem with hemorrhoids, please see your doctor or surgeon to discuss your options in depth.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (828) 327-9178.

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