Haemorrhoids, often known as piles, are enlarged veins around the anal region and these can seriously endanger a patient's health for a number of different reasons. Haemorrhoids can be a source of infection and sometimes the blood in the enlarged vein may form a clot resulting in a thrombosed haemorrhoid which is extremely painful. Although severe bleeding from haemorrhoids is unusual, anaemia may result if the bleeding is prolonged.
Clearly prevention is always better than cure and leading Consultant Laparoscopic and Colorectal Surgeon, Mr Anthony Antoniou says:
The key is to avoid straining during bowel movements. You can help prevent haemorrhoids by preventing constipation. Drink plenty of water, eat a high-fibre diet of fruits and vegetables and consider fibre supplements on a daily basis. Sometimes laxatives may be needed.
In his highly informative article written in plain English, Mr Antoniou describes the latest choice of treatment options and describes how treatments are tailored to both the patient’s symptoms and the location of haemorrhoids. Treatment options include non-surgical as well as surgical procedures such as stapled haemorrhoidectomy, also known as a Procedure for Prolapsed Haemorrhoids (PPH), and open haemorrhoidectomy for large external piles. Outpatient treatments such as injection sclerotherapy can be performed on the same day as the consultation for moderate haemorrhoids. The surgical options normally only take around half an hour and are all carried out as a day-case procedures.
