Haemorrhoids (Piles)
Haemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins inside and around the anus. They often improve on their own within a few days but can return, causing bleeding, itching, or a lump.
Typically, haemorrhoids are graded as follows:
- Grade 1 – Haemorrhoids which may bleed but do not prolapse out of the anus
- Grade 2 – which prolapse during a bowel motion but return spontaneously
- Grade 3 – Haemorrhoids which prolapse and need to be pushed back
- Grade 4 – Haemorrhoids which are permanently prolapsed.
Haemorrhoids typically cause the following symptoms:
- Bright red blood after a bowel motion
- An itch (puritus ani)
- Mucus on underwear or on toilet paper after wiping.
- Lumps around your anus
- Pain around your anus usually if prolapsed or thrombosed.
For more information on haemorrhoids, visit the NHS haemorrhoids page.
Haemorrhoids Treatment (Piles)
Haemorrhoids are benign and often resolve on their own. It is important to choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient, based on their symptoms and the stage of the haemorrhoids.
Simple treatments:
- Cold packs to ease discomfort
- Treatments to relieve constipation and soften stool may prevent symptom recurrence.
- Creams can temporarily ease pain, itching, and swelling but may cause skin sensitivity and thinning with long-term use.
Treatment without surgery:
- Rubber band ligation: a band is placed around piles to make them drop off.
- Sclerotherapy: a liquid is injected into piles to shrink them.
NexEndo Healthcare provides definitive treatment for piles, with many procedures performed on an outpatient basis. We offer only evidence-based treatments known for their high success rates. While eight out of ten patients can be treated as outpatients, some cases require surgery, and we provide clear guidance in those instances.
You stay awake during treatment, but we numb the area. You may experience some discomfort or bleeding, but these treatments usually do not affect your normal activities.
Treatment with surgery:
Surgical treatments include:
- Haemorrhoidectomy: your piles are cut out
- Stapled haemorrhoidopexy: your piles are stapled back inside your anus
- Haemorrhoidal artery ligation: stitches cut the blood supply to shrink piles.
Discuss the best treatment with your doctor. Treatment may not always prevent piles from returning.