Hemorrhoids, dilated veins that can occur inside or outside of the anus, have
many possible sources, but they are frequently associated with constipation or
pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a number of quick and painless treatment options
for them available at the Los Angeles Gastroenterology Clinic.
What are hemorrhoids?
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
How can hemorrhoids be treated?
Infrared Coagulation (IRC)
Rubber Band Ligation
Hemorrhoid Surgery
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are soft packets of swollen veins that appear in the anal canal. They
often produce discomfort in the form of itching and are frequently painful, accompanied
by a burning sensation. Anal bleeding often accompanies hemorrhoids and is often
the first sign, with blood appearing in the toilet bowl, on the tissue, or the
stool.
In medical terms, internal hemorrhoids are graded according the following scale.
Prolapse refers to a condition where the hemorrhoidal tissue slips out of place
and extends through the rectum.
Grade I: Bleeding without prolapse
Grade II: Prolapse with spontaneous reduction (with or without bleeding)
Grade III: Prolapse with manual reduction
Grade IV: Incarcerated, irreducible prolapse
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What are the Causes of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can arise from a number of sources. The major cause of them is constipation,
but they can also result from extended periods of sitting or standing.
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How Can Hemorrhoids Be Treated?
The symptoms of minor cases of hemorrhoids can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter
products. Ibuprofen can reduce the pain, and warm Sitz baths, where only the
hips and buttocks are rested in warm, saline water, can provide some temporary
relief. Stool softeners, aloe wipes, and creams are also beneficial. Drinking
large quantities of water, up to 64 ounces a day, may also prove helpful.
To painlessly treat hemorrhoids, the medical procedures provided by your gastroenterologist,
Dr. Shamsi, listed below, are very effective.
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Infrared Coagulation (IRC)
Infrared coagulation (IRC) is a quick and nearly painless procedure is one of several non-surgical treatments
for managing hemorrhoids. The instrument used in the procedure, a photocoagulator,
creates infrared radiation that evaporates water from the cells and coagulates
the tissue protein.
The amount of tissue that is destroyed depends on both the length of the application
and its intensity. Three or four treatments are usually sufficient to treat
a Grade I or small Grade II hemorrhoid, with the treatments occurring about
one month apart.
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Rubber Band Ligation
Mostly used on Grade II hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation is an extremely old
technique that causes very little pain and is a quick procedure. In it, constricting
bands are carefully placed around the hemorrhoid to restrict its supply of blood.
Within a week to a week and a half, the hemorrhoid and the band shrivel up and
fall off.
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Hemorrhoid Surgery
Surgery is usually a last option, undertaken only when non-surgical or other
treatment options have failed to provide relief from hemorrhoids. As in all
surgeries that require anesthetic, there are risks involved, but reactions to
the medications are rare. The outcome following surgery is very good, and full
recovery often takes place in two weeks.
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