At Icon Specialist Centre we offer the latest in treatment methods and technologies to treat gastrointestinal and colorectal conditions.
Our experienced team of colorectal surgeons are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and supporting you through your diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
Knowing more about your condition and what to expect before and after treatment can help you prepare. The following information has been put together to help you understand your condition and how it is diagnosed and treated.
We encourage you to speak to your doctor and care team, who are here to support you throughout your time at Icon.
We will always have time to talk to you and answer your questions.
Haemorrhoids occur when vessels in the anal canal dilate as a result of constant straining and loosened anal cushions. Your colorectal surgeon can identify and diagnose haemorrhoids upon examination.
Treatment for haemorrhoids will depend on the position (internal, external or mixed) and severity of symptoms.
There are several treatment options for haemorrhoids, which include:
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy is a short procedure performed under general anaesthetic to remove external haemorrhoids or prominent skin tags. The wound is located close to the anus, with a hospital stay of two to three days and postoperative pain lasting one to two weeks.
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a short procedure performed under general anaesthetic to remove haemorrhoids using a specialised circular stapler and repair the mucosa, while pulling the haemorrhoidal tissue back into the anal canal. There is no external wound, and postoperative pain is reduced considerably compared to conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Medications
Haemorrhoids can be treated topically using specialised ointments and suppositories to reduce bleeding and swelling. Oral medications can be prescribed, generally fiber supplements, to relive symptoms and constrict haemorrhoid vessels.
Rubber band ligation (RBL)
Haemorrhoids can be removed through a rubber band ligation process by your colorectal surgeon. This involves ligating the haemorrhoid with a rubber band to cut off the blood supply, which leads to the haemorrhoid sloughing off spontaneously due to a lack of blood supply. After the procedure, patients may experience a slight sense of urgency regarding bowel movements.
Injection sclerotherapy
Internal haemorrhoids can be treated by your colorectal surgeon by injecting a sclerosant into the haemorrhoid vessels which will be obliterated due to the chemical reaction.
It’s natural to want to know more about your condition. We’ve included some common questions that patients ask about haemorrhoids to help you. Your treatment team at Icon can also answer any additional questions that you have at any point in time.
Signs and symptoms of haemorrhoids may include:
Certain risk factors can play a role in the development of haemorrhoids. These include:
To prevent haemorrhoids, it is important to avoid foods that upset your bowel (including spicy and fried food), keep up your intake of water and consume foods high in fibre to prevent constipation. It is important to avoid straining during bowel movements and having severe diarrhoea, as these can cause acute attacks of haemorrhoids.
