What are Piles / Hemorrhoids?
Piles, medically known as hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. They can develop:
● Inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids)
● Under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids)
Common Causes:
● Straining during bowel movements
● Chronic constipation
● Pregnancy
● Obesity
● Prolonged sitting
Symptoms:
● Pain, itching, and swelling
● Rectal bleeding
● Feeling of fullness in the rectum
● Prolapse (hemorrhoids protruding from the anus)
Types of Piles / Hemorrhoids
- Located inside the rectum, usually painless
- May cause bleeding during bowel movements
- Grades:
■ Grade I: No prolapse, may bleed
■ Grade II: Prolapse on straining, retracts on its own
■ Grade III: Prolapse needs manual reduction
■ Grade IV: Permanently prolapsed
- Located under the skin around the anus
- Cause pain, swelling, itching, and discomfort
- Thrombosed hemorrhoids may form a painful blood clot
- Internal hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus
- May retract on their own or require manual or surgical correction
- Blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid
- Causes severe pain, swelling, and bluish discoloration
- May require urgent medical attention
Common Treatment Methods
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
● High-fiber diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
● Hydration: Drink plenty of water
● Avoid straining: Don’t sit too long on the toilet
● Exercise: Promotes digestion and reduces constipation
Medications
●Topical creams & ointments: Hydrocortisone or witch hazel
● Suppositories: Soothes internal hemorrhoids
● Pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Minimally Invasive Procedures
● Rubber Band Ligation: Cuts blood supply to internal hemorrhoids
● Sclerotherapy: Shrinks hemorrhoids with a chemical solution
● Infrared Coagulation (IRC): Uses light to clot and shrink hemorrhoids
Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty
●Targets hemorrhoidal tissue precisely
● Minimally invasive, less pain and bleeding
●Faster recovery compared to traditional surgery
Surgical Intervention (Hemorrhoidectomy)
● Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids
● Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH): Stapling hemorrhoid to normal position, cutting off blood flow
Benefits of Modern Treatments
● Minimally invasive: Smaller wounds, less bleeding
● Faster recovery: Return to daily activities within 24–48 hours
● Outpatient procedures: No overnight hospital stay
● Low-pain experience: Laser and stapler techniques minimize discomfort
● Lower risk of recurrence: More precise treatment of the root cause
● Improved quality of life: Reduces pain, bleeding, and restores confidence
● Safe for all ages: Suitable for adults including elderly patients
Post-Treatment Care Tips
- Maintain a high-fiber diet: Softens stool and reduces strain
- Stay hydrated: At least 8–10 glasses of water per day
- Avoid straining: Don’t sit or push excessively during bowel movements
- Resume light activity: Gentle walking promotes circulation
- Sitz baths: 10–15 minutes, a few times daily to relieve pain and itching
- Follow medications: Stool softeners, pain relief, or antibiotics as prescribed
- Keep the area clean and dry: Use water, avoid harsh soaps
- Attend follow-ups: Monitor healing and prevent complications
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Supports healing and prevents constipation
Conclusion
Piles, or hemorrhoids, are a common yet distressing condition that can affect daily life if untreated. Modern treatments—including laser therapy, rubber band ligation, and stapler techniques—are effective, less painful, and allow quicker recovery. By recognizing symptoms early, seeking timely intervention, and following proper post-treatment care, patients can achieve lasting relief and significantly improve their quality of life.