What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop inside your lower rectum or under the skin near your anus. They are similar to varicose veins.
While not always cause for concern, hemorrhoids can be painful or lead to complications, such as anemia or blood clots, when left untreated. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids is sometimes necessary.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Anybody can develop hemorrhoids, but your risk of developing them increases if you are obese, have chronic diarrhea or constipation or are pregnant. You may also develop hemorrhoids if you eat a low-fiber diet, do regular heavy lifting, or strain during bowel movements.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
If you experience the following signs and symptoms, you may have hemorrhoids:
- Pain or discomfort
- Anal itching or swelling
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- A hard lump near your anus
If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, the surgical team at Central Florida Surgical Specialists examines you. They may use a diagnostic colonoscopy to find out for sure.
What are at-home hemorrhoid remedies?
Dr. Halili and his team let you know which surgical or nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatments best match your needs. He might recommend at-home remedies, such as increasing your fiber intake, taking over-the-counter medications, soaking in a warm bath, or using topical ointments, suppositories, or pads.
What happens during hemorrhoid surgery?
Sometimes hemorrhoids require surgery for pain relief and to prevent further complications. Dr. Halili might recommend:
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive procedures for hemorrhoids include rubber band ligation to cut off hemorrhoid circulation, sclerotherapy (injecting a chemical solution into hemorrhoids), or using infrared or laser energy to harden and get rid of small hemorrhoids. You might require local anesthesia for minimally invasive hemorrhoid surgeries.
Surgical procedures
If you have large hemorrhoids or other hemorrhoid treatments haven’t worked, Dr. Halili might recommend surgically removing the hemorrhoids in a hemorrhoidectomy using local anesthesia plus sedation or general anesthesia. He may use a hemorrhoid stapling procedure, which blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoids.
If you have painful hemorrhoids or complications associated with them, talk with the surgical team at Central Florida Surgical Specialists about your options. Schedule an appointment by phone today.
