Overview
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels in the lower rectum and around the anus. They often result from straining to have bowel movements, constipation, and increased pressure on the lower rectum. They also can result from pregnancy, aging with weakness of the tissues, and diarrhea. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, depending on their location.
Diagnosis
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal bleeding, itching, rectal pain and swelling, thrombosis, or protrusion of hemorrhoids during bowel movements. It is important that symptoms are checked by a colon and rectal surgeon because other conditions like anal or rectal cancer can also present in a similar way.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
High fiber diet and fiber supplementation is usually recommended along with increased water intake. Avoidance of straining and hard stools or loose stool as well. Sitz baths with warm water will also be helpful. Most of the hemorrhoids will respond to topical treatments with creams and ointments and improve in a matter of days. The swelling usually will take longer to improve.
Surgical Treatments
Rubber Band Ligation
A band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid, which will fall off 5-7 days later. The hemorrhoid will regress because of a lack of blood supply. This method is painless but some patients exhibit discomfort or pressure for 24h. This method of treatment of hemorrhoids has great success rates and very high patient satisfaction. It takes place in an office setting due to lack of pain. In general, patients can return to work the same day.
National Digestive Diseases Information Cleaninghouse: What are hemorrhoids?