PATIENT INFORMATION

Haemorrhoids are commonly known as piles. They are caused by abnormal dilatation and enlargement of the blood vessels in and around the anus. 

Symptoms: Bright red rectal bleeding , Pain, Itching, Lump in anus 

Causes: Constipation, Heavy lifting resulting in raised pressure inside the abdomen, Pregnancy, Obesity or being overweight 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis is usually made by taking a good history and examining the anus and rectum with a camera(Proctosigmoidoscopy) 

Treatment: In the first place see your family doctor regarding these symptoms. You should try to remove causes which can aggravate piles such as lifting heavy weights or constipation. Usually the bleeding is self limiting and may stop. 

Ointments may be used to ease the itching on the skin around the anus. If the bleeding continues you should see your family doctor again who will refer you to a specialist. This is very important as more serious conditions such as cancer of the colon can present with rectal bleeding. 

Specialist treatment options:

Rubber band treatment: rubber bands are used to cut the blood supply to the piles. This treatment is usually done in the out patient clinic without any anaesthesia. It is a painless procedure. 

Injection Sclerotherapy: Injection of material around the pile which will wither away the pile. 

Formal Haemorrhoidectomy: The bleeding pile is cut away to achieve a definitive treatment. 

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy: A stapling device is used treat piles. This technique is usually used for someone with lots of piles all around the anus.

Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL): This new procedure has been shown to be very effective with good results for patients with symptomatic prolapsing piles.