Hemorrhoids are dilated portions of veins in the anal canal.
They are very common.
By the age of 50, about 50% of people have hemorrhoids to some extent.
Shearing of the mucosa during defacation results in the sliding of the structures in the wall of the anal canal.
Increased pressure in the hemorrhoidal tissue due to pregnancy may also initiate hemorrhoids or aggravate existing ones.
Hemorrhoid symptoms and discomfort can be relieved by good personal hygiene and by avoiding excessive straining during defacation.
A high-fibre diet that contains fruit and bran along with an increased fluid intake may be all the treatment that is necessary to promote passage of soft, bulky stools to prevent straining.
Warm compresses, sitz baths, analgesic ointments and suppositories, and bed rest allow the engorgement to subside.
There are several types of nonsurgical treatments for hemorrhoids.
Infrared photocoagulation, bipolar diathermy, and laser therapy are newer techniques that are used to affix the mucosa to the underlying muscle.
Injecting sclerosing solutions is also effective for small, bleeding hemorrhoids.
These procedures help prevent prolapse.
However, a person who doesn't get benefits from non-surgical interventions might resort to some surgical interventions.
Are surgical procedures for hemorrhoids really necessary? Surgery is oftentimes the last option for any type of situation due to the pain and the risks involved.
Surgery is an option if the hemorrhoid continues to persist after several months of non-surgical treatment modalities.
One more reason for surgery is when the hemorrhoids are causing too much inconvenience on the part of the patient that living with it becomes unbearable.
Although it is not a life threatening condition, considering the options for surgery is just a matter of convenience.
There are things that need to be considered and risks that should be known before one opts for surgery.
These include: a.
Severe post-operative pain.
This could last for two to three weeks.
The pain is due to the incisions made during surgery.
Pain medications are usually given to treat post operative pain.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an example; but the choice of medication still depends upon the attending physician's order.
Stool softeners are most of the time prescribed to make it easier to move the bowels.
This in turn prevents straining and constipation.
b.
Wound infections.
This can be prevented with good post-operative wound care.
c.
Bleeding.
This occurs when sutures rupture and can be very dangerous.
When this happens, infection is more likely to occur.
d.
Incontinence or unable to contain or retain bowel movement which leads to the uncontrollable release of feces or gas.
This is more likely psychological in nature due to the distress and fear that moving the bowel might open up the wound.
Another reason is that the anal sphincter might be damaged after the operation.
e.
Dysuria or difficulty urinating.
This is common to every patient because of the inability to relax and allow the urine flow and the fear of pain on the incision site.
For the most part, hemorrhoid surgery has been an effective intervention.
To prevent recurrence of hemorrhoids, it is important not to strain during bowel movements and maintain a high-residue diet, maintain proper hygiene, drink lots of water and try to avoid being constipated.