Haemorrhoids
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are often described as "varicose veins". When these enlarged veins are within the anal canal they are referred to as internal haemorrhoids, when they are outside of the anal canal they are referred to external haemorrhoids. When haemorrhoids are painful they are inflamed and/or thrombosed (blood has clotted in the vein and caused a blockage of the flow of blood through the vein). Haemorrhoids have a tendency to bleed when scraped or over stretched during a bowel movement.
What causes haemorrhoids?
The exact process, which causes haemorroids, is largely unknown, but it is believed to be associated with increased pressure within the veins of the rectum. This causes congestion of the haemorrhoidal veins within the rectum and anus. Contributing factors that may that cause veins within the rectum to enlarge include:
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Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
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Pregnancy
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Ageing
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Long periods spent on the toilet
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Straining to pass faeces
What are symptoms of haemorrhoids?
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Bleeding is the most common symptom, this usually occurs after you use your bowel. It may be on the toilet paper after defecation or in the toilet water. All rectal bleeding should be thoroughly investigated, as this is also a symptom of bowel cancer.
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Prolapsing perianal lump - this may be a painless fleshy piece of skin hanging from below the anus.
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Pain is a complication of haemorrhoids - if they become strangulated, engorged with blood or ulcerated it can cause severe pain.
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Itching (Pruritis ani) - this is cause by a mucous discharged from the haemorrhoids.
What is the treatment for haemorrhoids?
General measures
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Warm salt baths (sitz baths)
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Using wipes instead of toilet paper
Medications
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Topical anaesthetics and/or ointments available at the chemist. However these preparation rarely produce long term benefits. They do not shrink haemorrhoids or promote healing.
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Stool softeners to relieve constipation
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Pain medication
Procedures
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Injection of the haemorrhoid with appropriate medication - this does not require a general anaesthetic and can be performed in an outpatient clinic or doctors rooms.
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Rubber band ligation - this stops the blood flow to the haemorrhoid causing the tissue to die and the haemorrhoid will fall off.
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Haemorrhoidectomy - is surgical excision of the haemorrhoid under general anaesthetic and is performed whilst an inpatient in the hospital.
Useful Contacts and Further Information
Concord Hospital has an international recognised Colorectal Unit and can be contacted on 97678360
Contact your General Practitioner
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