What are the different types of hemorrhoids. How are hemorrhoids diagnosed. When should you see a doctor for hemorrhoids. What are the most effective treatments for hemorrhoids. Can hemorrhoids be prevented. How do lifestyle changes impact hemorrhoid management. What are the potential complications of untreated hemorrhoids.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Types and Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting many individuals, particularly those between 45 and 75 years of age. These swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus can cause discomfort and concern for those experiencing them. To better understand this condition, it’s crucial to recognize the two main types of hemorrhoids:

• External hemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus
• Internal hemorrhoids: These form in the lining of the lower rectum and anus

Dr. Cuckoo Choudhary, associate professor of gastroenterology at Thomas Jefferson University, explains that neither type is inherently worse than the other. The severity depends on the size and degree of the hemorrhoid. Untreated internal hemorrhoids may lead to bleeding, while external hemorrhoids can cause thrombosis, resulting in severe pain due to hemorrhoidal strangulation.

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around the anus
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids: When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. Dr. Aline J. Charabaty-Pishvaian, associate professor of medicine and director of the center for inflammatory bowel disease at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, advises seeking medical attention in the following situations:

• Presence of bleeding
• Feeling a lump in the anus
• Experiencing rectal pain
• Persistent symptoms despite home treatments

Are there specific tests used to diagnose hemorrhoids? Healthcare providers typically diagnose hemorrhoids through a combination of patient history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary:

• Digital rectal exam: The doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities
• Anoscopy: A hollow, lighted tube is used to view the anus and lower rectum
• Colonoscopy: In cases where other conditions need to be ruled out, a colonoscopy may be performed to examine the entire colon

Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

The treatment approach for hemorrhoids depends on their severity and the individual’s symptoms. What are the most common treatments for hemorrhoids?

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

For mild hemorrhoids, the following home remedies and lifestyle modifications may provide relief:

• Increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements
• Drinking more water to prevent constipation
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers
• Taking warm baths or sitz baths
• Applying ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories

Medical Treatments

If home remedies prove ineffective, medical treatments may be necessary. These can include:

• Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it
• Infrared coagulation: Infrared light is used to create scar tissue, cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid
• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of severe hemorrhoids
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A procedure that blocks blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue

Prevention Strategies for Hemorrhoids

Can hemorrhoids be prevented? While not all cases of hemorrhoids can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing them or experiencing recurrence:

• Maintaining a high-fiber diet
• Staying hydrated
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
• Practicing good toilet habits (avoiding straining and spending excessive time on the toilet)

How effective are these prevention strategies? While individual results may vary, consistent implementation of these lifestyle changes has shown to be beneficial in reducing the occurrence and severity of hemorrhoids for many individuals.

Complications of Untreated Hemorrhoids

Although severe complications from hemorrhoids are rare, untreated hemorrhoids can lead to more serious issues. What are the potential complications of untreated hemorrhoids?

• Anemia: Chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids can lead to iron-deficiency anemia
• Strangulated hemorrhoid: The blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, causing significant pain
• Thrombosed hemorrhoid: A blood clot forms within an external hemorrhoid, resulting in severe pain and swelling
• Infection: Rarely, untreated hemorrhoids can become infected, leading to more serious health issues

How can these complications be avoided? Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and prompt treatment of hemorrhoid symptoms can help prevent these complications from occurring.

The Impact of Diet on Hemorrhoid Management

Diet plays a crucial role in both the prevention and management of hemorrhoids. How does diet affect hemorrhoid symptoms?

A diet rich in fiber helps soften stools and increase their bulk, making them easier to pass and reducing strain during bowel movements. This can significantly alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms and prevent their recurrence. Some fiber-rich foods to include in your diet are:

• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds

In addition to high-fiber foods, staying hydrated is equally important. Adequate water intake helps keep stools soft and prevents constipation, which can exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods may worsen hemorrhoid symptoms and should be limited or avoided:

• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Processed foods high in salt

How quickly can dietary changes impact hemorrhoid symptoms? While individual responses may vary, many people report improvement in their symptoms within a few days to weeks of making these dietary adjustments.

Exercise and Hemorrhoids: Finding the Right Balance

Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help prevent hemorrhoids by promoting healthy bowel function and reducing the risk of constipation. However, certain types of exercise may exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms. How can individuals with hemorrhoids maintain an active lifestyle without worsening their condition?

Recommended Exercises

• Walking
• Swimming
• Yoga (with modifications for certain poses)
• Low-impact aerobics

Exercises to Avoid or Modify

• Heavy weightlifting
• Cycling (use a padded seat or recumbent bike)
• Horseback riding

Is it safe to exercise with hemorrhoids? In most cases, light to moderate exercise is safe and beneficial for individuals with hemorrhoids. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort. If you’re unsure about which exercises are appropriate for your condition, consult with a healthcare professional.

Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Hemorrhoids are a common concern during pregnancy, affecting up to 35% of pregnant women. Why are pregnant women more susceptible to hemorrhoids?

• Increased blood volume and pressure in the pelvic area
• Hormonal changes that can cause veins to relax
• Constipation, which is common during pregnancy
• The growing uterus putting pressure on the pelvic veins

How can pregnant women manage hemorrhoid symptoms safely? Most treatments for hemorrhoids during pregnancy focus on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Safe management strategies include:

• Maintaining a high-fiber diet
• Staying hydrated
• Using a sitz bath
• Applying cold compresses
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting

Are there any treatments that should be avoided during pregnancy? Some over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments and oral medications may not be safe during pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any treatments while pregnant.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary: Understanding Hemorrhoidectomy

While most hemorrhoids can be treated with conservative measures, severe cases may require surgical intervention. Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. When is hemorrhoidectomy recommended?

• Large external hemorrhoids
• Severely prolapsed internal hemorrhoids
• Combined internal and external hemorrhoids
• Hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments

What does the hemorrhoidectomy procedure involve? The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves removing the hemorrhoidal tissue. There are several techniques, including traditional surgical excision, stapled hemorrhoidopexy, and laser surgery.

What is the recovery process like after hemorrhoidectomy? Recovery can take several weeks and may involve some pain and discomfort. Patients are typically advised to:

• Take pain medication as prescribed
• Use sitz baths to relieve discomfort
• Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation
• Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks

How effective is hemorrhoidectomy? While it is generally considered the most effective treatment for severe hemorrhoids, there is a small risk of recurrence. Most patients experience significant long-term relief from their symptoms following the procedure.

The Link Between Hemorrhoids and Other Digestive Conditions

Hemorrhoids can sometimes be a symptom of other underlying digestive conditions. What other conditions might be associated with hemorrhoids?

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Chronic constipation
• Colorectal cancer
• Anal fissures

How can one differentiate between hemorrhoids and these other conditions? While some symptoms may overlap, there are usually distinct differences. For example:

• IBD often involves abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss in addition to rectal bleeding
• Colorectal cancer may cause changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal discomfort
• Anal fissures typically cause severe pain during bowel movements, while hemorrhoids are usually less painful

Why is it important to rule out these other conditions? Proper diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. What may seem like a simple case of hemorrhoids could potentially be a sign of a more serious condition. This is why it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for persistent or concerning symptoms.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Hemorrhoid Management

As medical science advances, new treatments for hemorrhoids are being developed and studied. What are some of the emerging treatments for hemorrhoids?

• Radiofrequency ablation: Uses radio waves to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoid
• Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation: A minimally invasive technique that uses ultrasound to locate and tie off hemorrhoidal arteries
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the hemorrhoid tissue to destroy it
• Laser therapy: Using laser technology to shrink hemorrhoids

How effective are these new treatments compared to traditional methods? While many of these treatments show promise, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effectiveness and safety. Some studies have shown that these newer techniques may offer quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain compared to traditional hemorrhoidectomy.

What areas of hemorrhoid research are currently being explored? Researchers are investigating several aspects of hemorrhoid management, including:

• Genetic factors that may increase susceptibility to hemorrhoids
• The role of the gut microbiome in hemorrhoid development
• Novel drug therapies for symptom relief and prevention
• Improvements in surgical techniques to reduce recurrence rates

How might these advancements change the future of hemorrhoid treatment? As our understanding of hemorrhoids improves and new technologies emerge, we may see more personalized and effective treatment options becoming available. This could lead to better outcomes for patients, with reduced pain, faster recovery times, and lower recurrence rates.

Living with Hemorrhoids: Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

For many individuals, hemorrhoids can be a chronic condition that impacts daily life. How can people effectively manage living with hemorrhoids?

• Maintain good hygiene practices
• Use soft, unscented toilet paper or wet wipes
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling

What impact can hemorrhoids have on quality of life? Hemorrhoids can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including:

• Physical comfort and mobility
• Sexual activity
• Work productivity
• Social interactions and self-esteem

How can individuals address the psychological impact of living with hemorrhoids? Coping with a chronic condition like hemorrhoids can be challenging. Some strategies to manage the psychological impact include:

• Joining support groups or online communities
• Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
• Seeking counseling or therapy if needed
• Educating oneself about the condition to feel more in control

Is it possible to lead a normal life with hemorrhoids? With proper management and treatment, most people with hemorrhoids can lead normal, active lives. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop an effective treatment plan and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

In conclusion, while hemorrhoids can be a challenging and sometimes embarrassing condition, they are highly treatable. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their condition effectively. Remember, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right approach, most people can find relief from hemorrhoid symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

4 Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

Hemorrhoids are fairly common, especially among people ages 45 to 75. And most hemorrhoid symptoms, such as mild itching or mild pain, can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies.

But there are times when a trip to the doctor is warranted — and many people do seek medical help, whether for more specific medication or, in some cases, simple hemorrhoid surgery. According to the latest statistics for digestive diseases from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 1.1 million people received outpatient care for hemorrhoids in 2009, and 266,000 people were hospitalized for treatment in 2010. While severe complications of hemorrhoids are quite rare, it’s important to know when to see your doctor.

“Anytime you have bleeding, feel a lump in the anus, or have rectal pain, you should see a doctor to make sure you don’t have a more serious cause of the symptoms,” says Aline J. Charabaty-Pishvaian, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the center for inflammatory bowel disease at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Even a less serious situation can prompt a call to your doctor. If you’ve been trying to treat hemorrhoids on your own, for instance, yet the hemorrhoid symptoms linger, a doctor visit makes sense.

“If you have already been diagnosed with hemorrhoids and your symptoms are not improving with fiber supplements, an increase in water intake, over-the-counter pain relievers, or a warm bath, then schedule an appointment,” Dr. Charabaty-Pishvaian says.

In most cases, you can see a general practitioner or your family physician about your hemorrhoid symptoms. If complications arise, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a proctologist.

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Different Types of Hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids: external and internal. External hemorrhoids arise from the anal canal, while internal hemorrhoids arise from the rectum, immediately above the anal canal. According to Cuckoo Choudhary, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, one type is not worse than the other, but both can cause problems. “It all depends on the size and degree of the hemorrhoid,” Dr. Choudhary says. “Untreated internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids can cause thrombosis [blood clotting], which gives way to severe pain from hemorrhoidal strangulation.”

If you know you have hemorrhoids and you have acute and severe anal pain, it could be a sign of thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Know When to See Your Doctor

Though the annoyance of hemorrhoids can be reason enough to call your doctor, use this checklist to know when a visit is a must:

• If you’re experiencing any type of rectal bleeding
• If the hemorrhoids are causing you pain or discomfort
• If the problems persist despite trying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or other remedies
• If you’re passing stools that look maroon in color or tarry in color, a sign of bleeding

If you experience a large amount of rectal bleeding that is accompanied by dizziness or faintness, be sure to seek emergency medical care immediately.

Though hemorrhoids are thought of as a minor health problem, you shouldn’t let that notion keep you from getting them examined. The ultimate goal is hemorrhoid relief, and for many people, that means an office visit.

Read more: Hemorrhoids: What to Know

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Hemorrhoid Symptoms and Diagnosis: Internal and External Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the skin around the anus or in the lower rectum get swollen and inflamed. It’s not exactly clear what causes people to get hemorrhoids, but there are some common, accepted risk factors and conditions that lead to their development.

Aging can decrease muscle tone in the area, weakening the tissue and causing hemorrhoids to bulge, while obesity and pregnancy can increase the risk for hemorrhoids due to increased pressure on tissue in the area. (1)

Repeated straining to make a bowel movement, as well as constipation, are also associated with hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are generally not dangerous or life-threatening, but they may be painful.

Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms to Watch For

The following signs and symptoms may indicate hemorrhoids:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper, in stool, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
• Anal itching
• Pain around the anus, especially while sitting
• Pain during bowel movements
• One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus

If you have any symptoms of hemorrhoids, try to avoid excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus.

Doing these things can make any irritation and itching worse, and can sometimes lead to bleeding.

Internal Hemorrhoids vs. External Hemorrhoids

There are two main types of hemorrhoids:

Internal Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop inside the lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids usually don’t hurt, but they often bleed painlessly, resulting in bright red blood you might notice when you go to the bathroom and wipe.

Most of the time, internal hemorrhoids are not visible to the naked eye. But in some cases, internal hemorrhoids may protrude through the anus, which is known as becoming prolapsed. When this happens, they will usually shrink back inside the rectum on their own. Protruding hemorrhoids can become irritated and itchy, and patients may find it difficult to clean themselves after a bowel movement.

Internal hemorrhoids are categorized by how prolapsed they are, which helps determine how they should be treated.

Grade 1 hemorrhoids means there is no prolapse. A prolapse that goes back in by itself is categorized as grade 2. Prolapse that needs to be pushed back in by the patient is considered grade 3. Grade 4 is when the prolapse can’t be pushed back in. (2)

External Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the outside of the anus. They can be itchy or painful, and may feel lumpy.

External hemorrhoids are called thrombosed hemorrhoids when a blood clot develops within the hemorrhoid. The increased pressure can be very painful, especially within the first 48 hours after it develops. (1)

Thrombosed hemorrhoids tend to be bluish in color due to the clot. Sometimes the blood clot will go away on its own, but because the clot has stretched the skin, it may result in an anal skin tag — excess skin left when the blood clot in a thrombosed hemorrhoid is absorbed by the body. Skin tags do not require removal, but if it’s particularly bothersome to a patient, excision is an option. (1)

If a thrombosed hemorrhoid has been present for longer than two days, the pain has often peaked and you might try home treatments while waiting for the clot to clear up on its own. When the clot first forms, it can be very painful; if you make it to your doctor’s office during this time, an in-office surgical procedure, involving local anesthesia and excision of the hemorrhoidal tissue, may be available. (2)

RELATED: 8 Myths You’ve Been Told About Hemorrhoids

How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed by Your Doctor

See your doctor if you think you might have hemorrhoids, especially if you notice bleeding from your anus or rectum, or have bloody stools. Your doctor will want to rule out more serious problems that can cause bleeding from the anus or rectum, such as cancer.

Hemorrhoid symptoms may also be similar to those of other anal and rectal problems, including anal fissures, abscesses, warts, and polyps.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and will ask you to describe your symptoms. Questions about your eating habits, toilet habits, and enema and laxative use are likely to come up. (3)

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam to look for lumps or swelling, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, skin irritation, skin tags, and anal fissures, which are small tears in the anus that can result in itching and bleeding. (3) This will involve a visual examination of the area.

Your doctor may also perform a rectal exam to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, check the muscle tone of your anus, and check for blood in the stool. This is done with a gloved, lubricated finger (called a digital rectal examination) and a tool called an anoscope.

An anoscope is a type of endoscope — a hollow, lighted tube that is inserted a few inches into the anus to help the doctor see any problems inside the lining of the rectum. This procedure is performed in the doctor’s office and doesn’t require anesthesia. (3)

Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to rule out other causes of bleeding, especially if you are over age 40.

These tests may include:

Colonoscopy After you’re sedated with medicine, your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the inner lining of your colon.

A colonoscopy can help discover ulcers, polyps, tumors, and other areas of inflammation or bleeding.

Sigmoidoscopy This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy, but it uses a shorter tube called a sigmoidoscope to examine the lining of the rectum and the sigmoid colon (the lower part of the colon).

Barium Enema X-ray This is a special type of X-ray of the colon and rectum in which your doctor inserts a liquid solution containing barium sulfate into the rectum. The solution helps highlight specific areas in the colon for your doctor to examine in the X-ray images.

RELATED: 4 Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.

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If you have hemorrhoids which doctor will help you?

/ Home / Articles / First aid for hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a fairly common disease among adult men and women, especially sedentary work contributes to it. The problem is so delicate that many are embarrassed to go to the clinic with it, to find out which doctor you need to book a consultation with. However, this is wrong behavior: if hemorrhoids are not treated, they become chronic. The exacerbation of the disease is caused by the transfer of heavy objects, the period of pregnancy, and malnutrition. If you do not treat hemorrhoids, then you will have to eliminate the problem with the help of surgical operations. Therefore, we recommend that at the initial manifestations of hemorrhoids, contact a specialist – a proctologist or coloproctologist.

Which doctor treats hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids is a pathology of the lowest part of digestion – the rectum. Proctologists are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of this part of the organ. According to the modern classification of specialties – coloproctologist. These specialists deal with all problems that are associated with the colon, anus and perineum. Hemorrhoids are diagnosed by an increase in nodes, they will be detected by a gynecologist who performs a routine examination of women and a urologist when examining men. Also, the young men can be informed about the first signs of the disease by a surgeon who examines them as part of a medical examination at the military registration and enlistment office. If symptoms are detected, then the patient is referred to a narrower specialist – a coloproctologist, they explain that a professional approach is important in treating the disease.

Most district-level hospitals have a proctologist on staff. If not, then you can make an appointment with a surgeon, since proctology is one of the areas of surgery, so such a doctor has a sufficient knowledge base and practice in this area. The surgeon in the district hospital (polyclinic) conducts an outpatient appointment free of charge. In addition, you can contact a private medical clinic, there are enough coloproctologists in such institutions. To get to a good specialist, you should ask if the clinic has a license, find out the doctor’s experience and category, read reviews about him. When making an appointment, it is necessary to clarify what is included in the examination, the doctor may additionally prescribe an instrumental examination (sigmoidoscopy, anoscopy), which are paid separately. It is important to clarify this not only in terms of finances, but also for proper preparation for the study.

In the case when there is bleeding from the anus, the pain is very strong, then you need to call an ambulance. Such a complication can be caused by infringement of the node or thrombosis. If medical care is not provided in time, this will lead to necrosis (tissue necrosis).

Proctologists and Coloproctologists

The exact name of medical specialties is approved by the List of the Ministry of Health. In state institutions, when applying for a job, they strictly monitor that the name of the specialty exactly matches the law. Previously, doctors who treated hemorrhoids were called “proctologists”. Since 2014 they have been referred to as “coloproctologists”. This is due to the fact that the field of study of pathology was slightly “expanded” – to the entire large intestine.

Depending on the place of work and the characteristics of the medical profile, coloproctologists can be:

1. Therapists. In this case, the coloproctologist is engaged in therapeutic (drug) treatment of the disease, as well as the treatment of Crohn’s disease, colitis, elimination of infections and parasites that have settled in the intestines.
2. Surgeons. Coloproctologists of this direction practice minimally invasive methods of treating hemorrhoids, and also perform operations to remove tumors, hemorrhoidal cones, polyps using special endoscopic devices.

A coloproctologist-therapist for the treatment of hemorrhoids prescribes medications, prescribes drugs for oral and topical use, paints a diet that must be followed. Doctors of this specialization usually work in polyclinics, conduct outpatient appointments.

A coloproctologist-surgeon is a doctor who is consulted in cases where treatment with various home methods has not yielded results, hemorrhoids have entered an advanced stage, complications have appeared (a crack in the intestinal wall), bleeding begins, prolapse or infringement of hemorrhoids occurs. All this requires surgical intervention.

Both types of coloproctologists have enough knowledge and experience to diagnose hemorrhoids, determine the stage of the disease, and choose an effective treatment method. At the appointment, the doctor finds out how long ago the signs of the disease appeared, what provoked it and led to an exacerbation. At the consultation, the specialist necessarily examines the anus, performs palpation of the lower rectum, performs anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy. If there is a need, then such studies as irrigoscopy or colonoscopy are additionally assigned.

Based on the study, complaints and analyzes, an individual treatment regimen for the patient is selected, taking into account the age and presence of other diseases. The therapeutic process and its effectiveness are monitored. For stages I-III of the disease, treatment is carried out with the help of minisurgery (sclerotherapy for external hemorrhoids, the imposition of latex rings, ligation of blood vessels). Also, laser irradiation, cryotherapy, thermal coagulation can be used for treatment. After the procedures, the proctologist must prescribe a therapy that will prevent the development of exacerbations and maintain a positive result of treatment. To do this, the doctor explains to the patient the features of nutrition, hygiene, regimen.

Duties of a coloproctologist

A coloproctologist-surgeon not only treats hemorrhoids, but deals with the elimination of intestinal pathologies due to injuries, congenital diseases.

The doctor provides emergency or planned care in the presence of:

• hemorrhoids with complications;
• rectal fissures;
• intestinal polyps;
• paraproctitis;
• cysts and tumors.

The task of the doctor is to choose an effective method of treatment, taking into account the results of the diagnosis and the general health of the patient. The choice of the method of surgical intervention is based on the ratio of the level of risk and the prediction of the development of the disease. The coloproctologist explains to the patient the methods of preparing for surgery, removes structures, eliminates cracks, and restores the functionality of the intestine. After the operation, a diet, dressings, local procedures, and medications are prescribed.

The duties of a doctor of this specialization, in addition to receiving patients, include maintaining documentation, analyzing the effectiveness of their work, and improving their qualifications every 5 years. During retraining courses, the doctor gains knowledge about new therapeutic achievements and drugs, the possibilities of innovative diagnostic equipment.

Preparation for inspection

It is better to plan a trip to the coloproctologist on your day off, because you need to carefully prepare for the examination. Before taking it is desirable to perform a bowel cleansing.

A day before visiting a doctor, you need to exclude from the diet food that provokes gas formation:

• milk;
• legumes;
• all types of cabbage;
• fatty fish and meat dishes;
• sweet products;
• sparkling water, strong coffee and tea;
• pickles;
• any alcohol, including beer.

You should refrain from smoking. The night before, you need to do 2 cleansing enemas, in the morning one more. If the classic version of the enema is poorly tolerated, then rectal suppositories based on glycerin, Microlax microclysters, are suitable. They provide bowel cleansing in 20 minutes. You should go to the doctor on an empty stomach in case he prescribes a blood test.

How painful is the examination?

The doctor performs an examination taking into account the patient’s condition, his excitement. Therefore, he talks to the patient and tries to conduct the examination slowly and carefully. The palpation procedure is quite unpleasant, but for the most part it does not cause pain. If there is a hemorrhoidal blackened node outside, then the examination is not performed, its removal is immediately assigned.

Why is it important to see a doctor?

Hemorrhoids is a disease that causes discomfort and complicates life and work of a person due to such signs:

• pain during defecation;
• bleeding;
• itching, erosion, irritation, weeping skin around the anus;
• sensation as if there is something foreign in the anal canal.

If you do not start treating hemorrhoids, then this leads to the appearance of cracks and ruptures, inflammatory processes. Due to stagnation of blood, blood clots are formed, which worsen the nutrition of tissues, lead to necrosis. This provokes severe pain and general intoxication. If the thrombus is not removed in time along with the node, then bleeding occurs. It is joined by a bacterial infection that passes to the tissues of the rectum. This is fraught with sepsis, damage to neighboring organs.

Due to the shyness in the diagnosis and treatment, hemorrhoids quickly become neglected with complications. The longer you do not seek medical help, the more difficult it is to treat the disease, the risk of complications increases, the need for urgent surgery. A timely visit to the doctor allows you to stabilize the condition, prevent the transition of hemorrhoids to the painful stage 4.

September 22, 2020

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