Hemorrhoids Treatment in Birmingham, AL
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that exist in and around the lower rectum and anus. These enlarged veins often cause a significant amount of pain, though are entirely treatable using at-home remedies and therapies. Individuals who experience frequent recurrence of hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoids that are especially painful, should seek medical attention from a provider at Advanced Surgeons, P.C. for comprehensive treatment.
Causes and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, meaning they may or may not be visible protrusions outside of the anus. Although not every case of hemorrhoids will have an exact cause, individuals are more likely to experience this condition if they:
- Have a family history of hemorrhoids
- Are obese
- Frequently strain during bowel movements or when lifting heavy objects
- Are pregnant
- Are between the ages of 45 and 65
- Remain sitting for long periods of time
- Frequently experience constipation or diarrhea
In addition to pain in the anal area, persons with hemorrhoids often report other common symptoms such as itching, swelling, irritation, and even painless bleeding of the rectal region. Any sort of unexplained bleeding will require attention from a doctor in order to accurately determine its cause and whether or not that cause poses any immediate threat to your health.
It is also possible for blood to pool in an external hemorrhoid, which may lead to the formation of a clot. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which will lead to more severe pain as well as the development of a hardened lump near the anus.
Treatment for Severe Hemorrhoids
If all at-home remedies prove ineffective, or you begin to experience more alarming symptoms caused by hemorrhoids such as bleeding from the rectum or anus, please contact Advanced Surgeons, P.C. right away for proper treatment.
Rubber Band Ligation
This simple procedure uses tiny rubber bands that are placed around the hemorrhoid. Over the next few days, the rubber bands will continue to cut off blood flow to the hemorrhoid, which will eventually lead it to shrivel and fall away.
Coagulation
Another minimally invasive treatment that is especially helpful for individuals with internal hemorrhoids is coagulation. This procedure utilizes specially designed lasers that heat the hemorrhoid until the tissue hardens and is destroyed.
Sclerotherapy
Because hemorrhoids are simply enlarged veins, they can be treated in the same way as other common venous conditions like varicose veins or spider veins. One such treatment is called sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a special solution into the affected vein to shrink it, seal it off, and prevent it from becoming enlarged again in the future.
External Hemorrhoid Thrombectomy
Individuals suffering from a thrombosed hemorrhoid with require a unique procedure called an external hemorrhoid thrombectomy. The process is not nearly as intimidating as it may sound, as it is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. During this treatment, a doctor at Advanced Surgeons, P.C. will remove the blood clot that has formed within the external hemorrhoid to effectively relieve the patient’s symptoms.
Hemorrhoid Stapling
Stapling is often used for those with internal hemorrhoids. This surgical treatment option involves cutting off the blood supply of the hemorrhoid by stapling the internal tissue. Patients who undergo this procedure are often able to return to regular activities quickly after their treatment.
Hemorrhoidectomy
The surgical removal of a hemorrhoid, called a hemorrhoidectomy, has been a standard practice for many years. During surgery, a doctor will remove the hemorrhoid and excise the affected tissue while the patient remains sedated and completely comfortable. This provides long-lasting relief from hemorrhoids that are known to chronically occur in one particular area.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are currently using home remedies and struggling to find relief from chronic hemorrhoids, surgery may be an option. For patients in the Birmingham area, the general surgeons with Advanced Surgeons, P.C. are here to help. Our surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and have extensive experience performing safe and effective hemorrhoid surgery. Contact our Birmingham office at (205) 595-8985 for more information on hemorrhoid surgery.