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Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid Treatments
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Hemorrhoids are cushions of tissue containing swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum or around the anus. Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort, itching, bleeding, and sometimes severe pain. There are two types of hemorrhoids (often also called “piles“):
Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum that form in an area where there aren’t any nerve endings. When internal hemorrhoids become enlarged, the tissue may protrude out through the anus causing symptoms such as itching, bleeding, and swelling. The level of protrusion indicates the degree of severity.
External hemorrhoids often occur as bulges or lumps around the anus. Because of the sensitive nerves in this area, these abnormal vessels are often painful, especially when sitting. If an external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed, it may cause severe pain.
See our Hemorrhoid Signs and Symptoms page for help in determining if you’re suffering from hemorrhoids. The best way to be sure of the source of your discomfort, though, is to come in for a consultation.
Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure in the veins of the rectum, which can be the result of a variety of factors. Hemorrhoids can be linked to diet, constipation, diarrhea, obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, and even sitting for extended periods of time.
The most common hemorrhoid symptoms are itching, bleeding, pain, swelling and prolapse (hemorrhoid tissue protruding from the anus). Some patients with more severe hemorrhoids may also experience fecal leakage.
See our Hemorrhoid Signs and Symptoms page for help in determining if you’re suffering from hemorrhoids. The best way to be sure of the source of your discomfort, though, is to come in for a consultation.
Hemorrhoids can’t always be prevented, but you can reduce your chances by avoiding some of the main hemorrhoid causes, like constipation. Whether you’ve had hemorrhoid treatment before or not, it’s a good idea to:
Over 95% of hemorrhoids can be treated using the CRH O’Regan System®, meaning less than 5% of hemorrhoids require surgery. The sooner you seek treatment for a hemorrhoid, the lower your chances of needing surgery will be.
A tiny rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, which cuts off blood supply to the area. Within a few days, the banded tissue and band will shrink and fall off, usually without you noticing.
Everyone has three hemorrhoid columns and most often, when one is affected, all three are affected. Generally speaking, a patient will require three treatments, with one band placed during each visit.
No. With the procedure we use (the CRH O’Regan System®), band placement is painless and over 99% of patients experience no significant post-procedural pain.
You can typically return to work and resume your normal activities immediately following the procedure (but refrain from vigorous activity until the following day).
Most major insurance plans cover hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation). Call our office at (312) 724-7441 for cost details, or refer to your specific insurance policy for copay information.
You can use an over-the-counter treatment to help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching and swelling. However, these remedies don’t treat the cause of the hemorrhoid, and it is more likely that your symptoms will resurface eventually. For a long-term solution, a treatment like banding is likely your best option.
The most important thing to remember is that hemorrhoids are a common affliction – most of us will experience symptomatic hemorrhoids at some point in our lives. You should never feel stressed or embarrassed about speaking to your doctor, who can provide more detailed answers to all of the above questions, and any others you might have. Contact our office to make an appointment today.
Learn more on our Hemorrhoid Signs and Symptoms page for help in determining if you’re suffering from hemorrhoids.
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Thank you so much for this wonderful procedure! No need for invasive surgery!
Every time a bout of hemorrhoids flared up, I knew I was in for 10 to 14 days of pain, bleeding, itching, and plenty of creams or suppositories. The procedure was not only painless but it put an instant end to my discomfort. I’m just sorry I didn’t do it sooner.