Haemorrhoids / Piles
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swellings that develop inside and around the anal canal. Piles are usually small, round swellings that develop in your lower rectum and anus. They can be itchy and painful and may bleed during a bowel movement. They are caused by increased pressure on the blood vessels in the anal canal. Piles are a prevalent condition, affecting up to one in three people at some point in their lives, affecting both men and women, and often develop after the age of 30.
Anyone can develop piles, but they are more common in people who suffer from chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of piles include bleeding from the anus, anal itching, swelling, pain or discomfort when passing stools, and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the anal area. In severe cases, piles can prolapse (protrude) through the anus.
Diagnosis and tests
Hemorrhoids are diagnosed only via physical examination. Generally, no further investigations are done, with certain exceptions.
Treatment
Hemorrhoids can be treated with a minimally invasive approach using a laser. In some instances, we use a special stapler, which also does not give any cut on the outside skin. However, for grade IV hemorrhoids, an open procedure is called a hemorrhoidectomy.
Diet and lifestyle management are imperative to curing piles. It is mostly a stress-induced disease; however, with proper care, relapse can be prevented after surgery.