What is the difference between a gastroenterologist and a colorectal specialist when it comes to hemorrhoid treatment? Get answers to your top questions about hemorrhoids and find the right specialist for your needs.

Understand the Difference Between Gastroenterologists and Colorectal Specialists

Gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists are both medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system. However, there are some key differences between the two when it comes to hemorrhoid management.

Gastroenterologists are doctors who focus on the entire digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, including hemorrhoids. Gastroenterologists often perform procedures like colonoscopies to examine the colon and rectum.

On the other hand, colorectal specialists, also known as proctologists or colon and rectal surgeons, have additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the lower part of the digestive tract – the colon, rectum, and anus. This includes expertise in managing more complex hemorrhoid cases that may require surgical intervention.

When to See a Gastroenterologist vs. a Colorectal Specialist for Hemorrhoids

In general, if you are experiencing mild to moderate hemorrhoid symptoms, a gastroenterologist can be a good starting point for diagnosis and initial treatment. They can provide conservative, non-surgical treatments like dietary changes, topical creams, and minimally invasive procedures like rubber band ligation.

However, if your hemorrhoids are severe, recurrent, or do not respond well to initial treatment, your gastroenterologist may refer you to a colorectal specialist for more advanced care. Colorectal specialists can perform more complex surgical procedures to remove or treat problematic hemorrhoids, such as hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, or hemorrhoid ligation.

Top Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist or Colorectal Specialist

When meeting with a gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist about your hemorrhoids, be prepared to ask these key questions:

1. What type of hemorrhoids do I have (internal, external, or thrombosed)?
2. What is causing my hemorrhoids, and what can I do to prevent them from recurring?
3. What non-surgical treatment options do you recommend to start?
4. If those don’t work, what surgical procedures could be considered?
5. What are the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option?
6. How long will it take for my symptoms to improve with treatment?
7. When should I follow up with you, and how frequently?

Tips for Finding the Right Hemorrhoid Specialist

When selecting a gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist to treat your hemorrhoids, consider the following tips:

• Look for a board-certified provider with experience in diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids.
• Ask about the specialist’s approach to hemorrhoid treatment and their success rates with different procedures.
• Inquire about the specialist’s use of the latest, minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
• Check if the specialist accepts your health insurance plan to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
• Read online reviews from other patients to gauge the specialist’s bedside manner and responsiveness.

Preventing and Managing Hemorrhoids

In addition to seeking professional medical care, there are steps you can take at home to prevent and manage hemorrhoid symptoms:

1. Eat a high-fiber diet to keep stools soft and prevent constipation.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Avoid straining during bowel movements and take breaks if you feel the urge to go.
4. Apply over-the-counter creams or ointments to soothe swollen, painful hemorrhoids.
5. Take warm baths or use a sitz bath to relieve discomfort.
6. Maintain good hygiene by gently cleaning the anal area after bowel movements.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hemorrhoids

You should consult a gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent or worsening hemorrhoid-related pain, itching, or bleeding
• Inability to get relief from over-the-counter treatments
• Symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or quality of life
• Potential complications like a blood clot or prolapsing hemorrhoid
• Uncertainty about the cause or severity of your hemorrhoid symptoms

By understanding the differences between gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists, you can make an informed decision about which type of specialist is best suited to address your hemorrhoid concerns and get the personalized care you need.

Hemorrhoids (Piles) | Digestive Health Gastroenterology

Overview

Hemorrhoids – also known as piles – are veins in the anus and lower rectum that become swollen. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop in the skin around the anus. Hemorrhoids are a common condition, affecting about 75% of adults. 

Hemorrhoids causes 

There are a number of causes of hemorrhoids, including:

• Anal intercourse
• Chronic (long-lasting) diarrhea or constipation
• Low fiber in your diet
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet
• Regular lifting of heavy objects, such as weights or occupational (job) lifting
• Straining while having bowel movements

Hemorrhoids risk factors

The two main risk factors for developing hemorrhoids are increased age and being pregnant. Both can cause the tissues that support the rectum and anus veins to weaken and stretch.

Hemorrhoids symptoms

The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on the type of hemorrhoids you have. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

• Bleeding from or around the anus
• Itching or irritation around your anus
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around the anus

Internal hemorrhoids don’t tend to cause as many symptoms, and you’ll usually only notice you have one during a bowel movement. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:

• Pain and irritation, due to a hemorrhoid that is pushed through the anus during a bowel movement
• Painless bleeding while having a bowel movement

Hemorrhoids diagnosis

Your gastroenterologist may use one or more of the following diagnostic tools to diagnose your hemorrhoids:

Digital examination. In this test, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. Your doctor then uses their finger to feel for any unusual growths or abnormalities.

Visual inspection. Your specialist may use a specialized instrument with a light on the end to carefully inspect your anus for abnormalities.

Colonoscopy. If you have hemorrhoids and certain risk factors for colon cancer – such as a family history or being over age 40 – your doctor may recommend you also undergo a colonoscopy to examine your entire colon for anything unusual.

Hemorrhoids treatment

Treatment for hemorrhoids typically includes a combination of the following remedies:

Diet modification. Your specialist will encourage you to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods to help add more fiber to your diet. Extra fiber can help soften your stool so you don’t have to strain when having a bowel movement.

Topical treatments. Applying an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream, using a suppository with hydrocortisone or applying pads with witch hazel or a numbing agent can be effective, over-the-counter treatments to give you relief while your hemorrhoids heal.

Bath soak. Your specialist may recommend soaking your anal area in plain, warm water two or three times a day for 10 minutes each time. A sitz bath can also help provide relief.

Pain medication. Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen, can help reduce associated pain while your hemorrhoid heals.

External hemorrhoid thrombectomy. If your external hemorrhoid has turned into a painful blood clot (thrombosis), your specialist can remove the hemorrhoid to provide you with immediate pain relief. Your specialist will perform a thrombectomy under local anesthesia, which means numbing only the affected area.

Rubber band ligation. If your hemorrhoid is very painful or bleeding, your specialist may recommend rubber band ligation. In this procedure, your doctor places one or two tiny rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid. Because its blood circulation is cut off, the hemorrhoid dies and falls off within a week.

Coagulation. Your specialist may use infrared, laser or bipolar coagulation directed at the hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to harden, shrivel and fall off.

Hemorrhoidectomy. In some cases, your specialist may recommend you undergo a procedure to surgically remove the hemorrhoid.

When should I seek care?

If you experience any of these symptoms, start by voicing your concerns and symptoms to your primary care provider. From there, your doctor may suggest seeing a gastroenterologist for more specialized treatment.

Top Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist About Hemorrhoids

August 6, 2021

Many Americans suffer from hemorrhoids for a long time before they seek intervention due to the stigma associated with the condition. Nonetheless, as embarrassing as hemorrhoids seemingly are, they are no laughing matter, and choosing to ignore them will only prolong your suffering.

Getting them treated by a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) can prevent them from becoming a major problem and the necessity for surgical intervention.

If you’re not sure as to what specific questions to ask your GI doctor during your appointment, here’s a shortlist to help you make the most out of your doctor’s visit.

Q: What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Chronic constipation and prolonged sitting and standing are among the most common causes of hemorrhoids, but the condition can also be due to any of the following:

• A narrower anal opening
• Anal Intercourse
• Frequent episodes of diarrhea
• Lack of regular exercise
• Lax muscles in the anus and rectum (related to advancing age)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

Q: What Are My Treatment Options?

Your GI doctor will do a thorough evaluation, which consists of a review of your medical history and symptoms, a digital rectal exam, and a visual inspection, to confirm a diagnosis.

Your GI doctor will likely recommend any or a combination of the following interventions:

• Increased fiber in your diet
• Improved hydration (six to eight glasses of water daily)
• Exercise- If you sit or stand for long periods of time, make sure you move around at regular intervals.
• Sitz baths (installed on your toilet) two to three times daily
• Prescription medications to shrink hemorrhoids and relieve pain (e.g., creams, ointments, and suppositories)

If you’re suffering from chronic or severe hemorrhoids, your gastroenterologist will likely recommend CRH banding. This is a quick, minimally invasive in-office procedure in which the internal hemorrhoid tissue is tied with a rubber band, causing it to shrivel up and form a scar. This completely addresses the symptoms associated with the condition. The procedure involves no special preparation and downtime.

Another option is a stapled hemorrhoidopexy, which involves the use of a circular stapling device to eliminate the hemorrhoid tissue and close the area. Unlike traditional hemorrhoidectomy, a stapled hemorrhoidopexy involves less discomfort and a quicker recovery time. A significant drawback of this procedure is that it poses a higher risk of recurrence. It is also a highly complex procedure, typically performed by a colorectal surgeon.

Q: How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids?

Even if you are prone to developing hemorrhoids, you can prevent flare-ups or lessen their intensity by employing the diet and exercise tips noted here. Also, be sure to not rush through a bowel movement and strain too much. It also helps to wipe gently and carefully. Finally, go to the toilet regularly. Do not hold your bowel movements for extended periods of time.

Hemorrhoid Treatment in California

At inSite Digestive Health Care, we offer hemorrhoid therapy (CRH banding) and nutritional coaching among several other on-site gastroenterology services as part of our commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare services to our patients throughout California.

We understand how having hemorrhoids can cause embarrassment; we assure you that we will treat your case with utmost confidentiality and respect.

If you need to arrange a consultation with one of our GI experts, contact us at our office nearest you. You may also fill out this appointment request form. For your added convenience, we also offer telehealth services.

Filed Under: Hemorrhoids Tagged With: gi care in California, gi care near me, gi doctor in California, gi doctor near me, Hemorrhoid Treatment, Hemorrhoid Treatment in California, Hemorrhoid treatment near me, inSite Digestive Health Care

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Why visit a proctologist when planning a pregnancy?

• home
• Interviews with doctors
• Why visit a proctologist when planning a pregnancy?

Zinkeeva S. V.
Proctology

Particular difficulties arise in the treatment of hemorrhoids after childbirth and during pregnancy, because many drugs and radical methods cannot be used during this period. What to do if the risk of the disease is high, what to do if there are signs of hemorrhoids, what methods are best used for treatment during pregnancy, says Svetlana Vladimirovna Zinkeeva, a practicing proctologist at the Class Clinic Kaliningrad medical center.

Many women are afraid of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, while others, on the contrary, do not attach much importance to the risks. What is the correct position in such situations?
That’s right – insure yourself against all risks. During pregnancy, hemorrhoids are very difficult to treat. Most curative treatments and drugs that relieve symptoms are contraindicated. Therefore, hemorrhoids must be identified and treated before pregnancy, especially since in uncomplicated cases this can be done without pain.

Before planning a pregnancy, you should consult a proctologist, especially if you have a predisposition to this disease: varicose veins, previous hemorrhoids, etc. It is better to solve this problem before pregnancy, since when carrying a child, the likelihood of complicated forms of hemorrhoids is much higher.

When planning a pregnancy, does it make sense to contact a proctologist and undergo an examination to identify internal hemorrhoids if there are neither pronounced symptoms nor a predisposition to the disease?
Limiting yourself to gynecological diagnostics and general examination is quite risky. I would also recommend an examination by a proctologist, especially for women who have given birth before.

With the development of internal nodes, hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic for a long time, and then manifest themselves during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins of the small pelvis, and in case of a predisposition or latent course, hemorrhoids will definitely find themselves. It is important to understand here that it is the internal nodes that are the cause of this, since the primary stagnation of blood appears there. When the stagnation becomes critical (decompensated), the blood begins to overflow the superficial vessels. This is how external nodes arise. That is why early diagnosis is important.

What if I couldn’t avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
It is necessary to immediately contact a proctologist, who, depending on certain manifestations of the disease, will prescribe treatment. It is impossible to give universal advice, as there may be different complications, respectively, different means and different treatment tactics. There may be manifestations in the form of edema, cracks, thrombosis, and each complication has its own technique. The main thing is not to try to solve the problem on your own, hemorrhoids are a rather serious disease that requires an exceptionally qualified approach.

What do you consider the most dangerous mistake in the treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy (or before it)?
The most serious mistake women make before pregnancy is ignoring mild symptoms that may indicate hemorrhoids.