Hemorrhoids
( Piles)

What are Hemorrhoids (Piles)?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and enlarged veins that form inside or outside the anal canal. They often occur due to straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or increased pressure in the rectal area.

How Common Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are very common, especially among pregnant women and people over 50 years of age. However, due to modern sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits, cases are increasingly being seen among younger adults as well.

What are the types of Hemorrhoids?

Internal Hemorrhoids
These occur inside the rectum and are not visible externally. They usually don’t cause pain but can lead to bleeding during bowel movements.
External Hemorrhoids
These form under the skin around the anus, where there are many pain-sensing nerves. They may appear as painful lumps or blue-purple swellings if thrombosed (clotted).
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
When internal hemorrhoids protrude outside the anus, they are called prolapsed hemorrhoids. They may go back in on their own or need to be gently pushed back. In advanced stages, they remain outside permanently.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
In this case, blood clots form inside the hemorrhoidal veins, making them extremely painful, swollen, and tender to touch.

What do Hemorrhoids look like?

Internal hemorrhoids are not visible unless they prolapse outside.
External hemorrhoids appear as painful, tender lumps or swelling near the anus, often resembling a pimple or bluish mass.

What are the common symptoms?

Bleeding during bowel movements (bright red blood in stool or toilet)
A mass or swelling coming out of the anus during motion
Itching or irritation around the anal area
Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting or straining
Lumps near the anus that may feel sore or tender
Mucus discharge or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying

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What causes Hemorrhoids?

Common causes include:

Chronic constipation and excessive straining
Heavy lifting or strenuous activity
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Pregnancy, due to pressure from the uterus
Low-fiber diet and excessive intake of refined or non-vegetarian foods

What Are the Possible Complications of Hemorrhoids?

Anemia – continuous blood loss can lead to fatigue and weakness.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids – may cause severe pain and swelling.
Underlying conditions – sometimes, rectal bleeding may be due to colon or rectal cancer, which must be ruled out.

How are Hemorrhoids diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves:

Physical examination of the anal region
Digital rectal examination (finger test) to rule out tumors or fissures
Proctoscopy – a painless outpatient test to assess hemorrhoid grade
Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy if cancer or other intestinal conditions are suspected

What are the treatment options for Hemorrhoids?

1. Medical Treatment (Early Stages)

Mild hemorrhoids can be completely cured with medication and lifestyle changes:

Eat a high-fiber diet (vegetables, fruits, whole grains)
Drink plenty of water
Use laxatives or stool softeners to prevent straining
Avoid spicy and processed foods

2. Non-Surgical Procedures

Rubber Band Ligation (Banding) – a small rubber band is applied to the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow, causing it to shrink naturally.
Injection Sclerotherapy – a special solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to make it shrink and disappear.

Both are outpatient procedures requiring no hospitalization.

Surgical Treatment

Open Hemorrhoidectomy – hemorrhoidal veins are tied and removed under anesthesia.
Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy (PPH) – used for prolapsed or multiple hemorrhoids. A stapling device removes excess tissue and restores the hemorrhoids to their normal position.

Is Hemorrhoid Surgery painful?

No. With modern anesthesia and advanced pain management, hemorrhoidectomy is virtually pain-free and minimally invasive.

How will be the post operative recovery?

Patients can walk and move around within hours after surgery.

Soft diet is started the same day.
Discharge is usually within 1–2 days.
Most people return to work within a week, depending on job type.

Can Hemorrhoids Come Back After Surgery?

Recurrence happens in about 5% of patients, mainly due to unhealthy food habits, chronic constipation, or a sedentary lifestyle. Following a fiber-rich diet and regular exercise greatly reduces recurrence risk.

How many days of hospitalisation are needed after haemorrhoidectomy?

One or two days of hospitalisation including the day of surgery is needed after syrgery..

Why should a patient stay back in the hospital after surgery for a day ?

In the immediate post operative period excellent pain relief can be given by the medical team and monitoring the patient after anaesthesia is recommended. The next morning , the wound can be inspected and dressing done and the patient can confidently go home.

When can I return to work after a haemorrhoidectomy?

Depends on the type of job and travel requirements. From Day 3-4, working from home for a person with a desk job is feasible (for a few hours per day). Within a week , return to normalcy happens

How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids Naturally?

Eat fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains)
Drink 2–3 liters of water daily
Avoid spicy and refined foods
Limit non-vegetarian food and alcohol
Exercise regularly — at least 30–45 minutes of brisk walking daily
Avoid prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements

What are the home remedies available to treat haemorrhoids ?

Home remedies for small hemorrhoids are

High-fiber diet
Sitz baths (warm water soaks for 10–15 minutes twice daily)
Drinking plenty of fluids
Avoiding constipation with stool softeners

If symptoms persist or bleeding increases, consult a colorectal specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures?

Both result from constipation, but the causes differ:

Anal fissure: a tear in the anal lining, causing sharp pain and bleeding.
Hemorrhoids: swollen veins that may bleed but are usually painless unless thrombosed.

Do Hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Mild hemorrhoids often shrink on their own if you improve your diet and lifestyle. However, advanced or bleeding hemorrhoids may require medical or surgical treatment.

Are Hemorrhoids Serious?

Hemorrhoids are not life-threatening, but if left untreated, they can cause anemia, pain, and discomfort. Persistent bleeding may also signal more serious conditions like rectal cancer, so it’s important to get evaluated early.

How do I know if I have haemorrhoids?

You might have hemorrhoids if you notice bleeding (bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool), itching or irritation, pain or discomfort around the anus, swelling or a sensitive lump, or a feeling of pressure or incomplete bowel emptying. Visit the doctor immediately.

What Foods Should Be Avoided if You Have Hemorrhoids?

Avoid:

Refined and processed foods (white bread, pasta, fast food)
Spicy and oily dishes
Alcohol and caffeine
High-salt foods
Excess dairy products
Unripe fruits

These foods can cause constipation and irritation, worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.

Why Avoiding These Foods Helps

Promotes smooth bowel movements
Reduces irritation and inflammation
Prevents dehydration and hard stools

Do all haemorrhoids need surgery ?

No. small ones need no surgery and only medical treatment

Are skin tags haemorrhoids?

No. skin tags are a result of old healed fissures. Haemorrhoids are blood vessels covered with skin.

At The Best Gastro Care Centre

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Our expert team provides world-class treatment for Hemorrhoids( Piles) and other gastrointestinal diseases using advanced techniques and compassionate care.

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