Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels (veins) in the lowest part of rectum and anal canal. The walls of these veins can thin out due to stretch and hard stool, causing bleeding. Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of bleeding in the rectum. They can cause severe itching, pain, and difficulty in sitting or lying. An estimated 50 percent of adults suffer from hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Top colorectal surgeon, Dr. Chanu Dasari is adept in diagnosing Hemorrhoids and prescribes top surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Clinical presentation depends on the severity (Grade I-V) of hemorrhoid disease. The symptoms can vary from painless to painful hemorrhoids, with or without a lump, and reducible or irreducible lumps.

Common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Itching around the anus
• Soft lump or swelling in the anal canal
• Pain and irritation in the anal region
• Feeling of something coming out of the anal canal with passing stool
• Pain on passing stool
• Fresh blood with stool

Hemorrhoids can vary from painless, barely noticeable, non-bleeding soft lumps to extremely painful lumps that bleed persistently. In long standing cases, blood loss can cause complications like iron deficiency anemia, and severe discomfort. It is essential to visit a hemorrhoid treatment specialist if you have recently experienced the above symptoms.

For persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids, surgical treatment may be the best option. Surgical treatment includes minimally invasive procedures and removal of hemorrhoids.

Minimally invasive procedures

Rubber band ligation: One or two tiny rubber bands are placed around the base of hemorrhoid vessels to cut off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off in about a week.

Injection (Sclerotherapy): A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid vessels causing shrinkage of the tissue. Sclerotherapy is a convenient procedure but is less effective than rubber band ligation.

Coagulation: Using infrared light, heat or laser, small bleeding hemorrhoids are coagulated. They become hard and wither, falling off within a week.

Hemorrhoid removal surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy): In a hemorrhoid removal surgery, the hemorrhoid tissue that causes bleeding is removed. Hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective procedure to treat recurring or severe hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid stapling: Stapling obstructs blood flow to hemorrhoid tissue. Stapling generally involves less pain than hemorrhoidectomy and allows for earlier return to regular activities but with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.